When COVID-19 restrictions were first imposed on houses of worship last March, California churches complied. But when they saw social justice protests, large retail chains, and grocery stores open, many began to wonder whether Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home orders had been unfairly executed. Some churches reopened their doors on Pentecost Sunday, defying the state’s orders. Others opted to stay closed. Pastor Ché Ahn, the founder of Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry in Pasadena, decided to take Newsom to court. He won—and as a result, the state can no longer place discriminatory COVID-19 restrictions on church services. The settlement judgment, issued on May 17, is the first statewide injunction in the country against restrictions on churches and places of worship. Liberty Counsel, the nonprofit representing Harvest Church and Harvest International Ministry, will also receive $1.35 million in legal fees reimbursement from Newsom’s Office. Ahn told The Epoch Times that the …