ROCKLIN, Calif. — Outside Destiny Christian Church in Rocklin Sunday morning, protesters with Allies for Black Lives-Placer County gathered to highlight the church’s ongoing defiance of public health orders.
Counter-protesters gathered as well. They said they came in support of the church after learning of the planned protest.
Allies for Black Lives-Placer County said they also came out to protest comments they said were made online by Pastor Greg Fairrington and his wife, comments they called homophobic and hateful.
"We just wanted to go so they know as a community were not going to stand for the hate," said Damion Saunders, an organizer for Allies for Black Lives-Placer County organizer. "You're supposed to be a quote unquote Christian; he should be loving everybody."
Meanwhile, inside the church, Fairrington spoke about the protesters outside. He told his audience to not engage with them while leaving.
The state’s stay-at-home order requires churches to operate outdoors only, but Destiny Christian Church has been holding services indoors throughout the pandemic.
"We have a right to gather and worship, so that’s what we’ve been doing since May 31," said Fairrington.
He said he will continue to hold services—inside, while also offering a live stream online.
"I believe that it’s very important for churches to open up their doors," said Fairrington. "Physical sickness is one thing, but there are people with emotional and spiritual challenges in their life."
As for the social media comments protesters are calling homophobic and hateful, Fairrington denies those claims.
"I have never said anything homophobic," Fairrington said. "Our church is a bible believing church. We believe the bible. So that’s our perspective when it comes to any of the social issues that we are addressing in our society right now."
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