The Arising Church receives warnings from police

The Arising Church has received multiple warnings from Crystal Lake Police after the department received complaints that the church was holding services, despite the governor’s Executive Order banning large gatherings.

Chief James Black said the Crystal Lake Police Department received six anonymous complaints that the church, at 211 N. Virginia St., was either holding a service, or planning to hold a service.

The department went to the church twice: at 10:40 a.m. April 5, and at 10:33 a.m. April 12.

“On both occasions, officers observed numerous cars in the church lot; however, it is unknown exactly how many people were at the church as the officers did not physically count attendance,” Black said in an email to the Northwest Herald.

Police verbally warned church officials both times they responded, and requested that they comply with the Executive Order. Gov. JB Pritzker issued the order on March 20 stating that all public and private gatherings, or any number of people, occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited, except for limited purposes. Per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, any gathering of more than 10 people is prohibited, unless exempted by the order.

“It is my understanding that the two times we were there and issued a warning, parishioners were present,” Black said.

Black said notifications were made to the Illinois Attorney General, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development and to the McHenry County Department of Public Health.

“We realize that people are frustrated and scared about what is happening around the state and the nation.The city supports the governor’s Executive Order and it is important that any business or organization follow the guidelines outlined in the Executive Orders since these measures are recommendations from the leading state, national and global health organizations,” Black said. “However, the Executive Order does not nullify the constitutional protections guaranteed to its citizens. We do have to be respectful of First Amendment rights and the constitutional rights afforded to religious organizations.”

The Arising Church did not respond to messages for comment.

Black said that it is important to practice social distancing and to stay at home when possible.

“The sooner we control the spread of this virus, the sooner we can return to normal, or whatever our new normal will be,” he said.