Rev. Rodney Howard-Browne, Pastor of The River at Tampa Bay Church in Tampa, was arrested for failing to obey Florida’s stay-at-home order by the Governor.
Not only did Howard-Browne disobey the order by state’s highest office, but he also provided buses to transport members to the services. Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “I was appalled and frightened at the fact that those individuals were thinking they’re doing the right thing. How many of those people are going to spread COVID-19 back into the community? I hold the Pastor responsible. The flock will follow him. In these dire times, it’s a shame someone has taken advantage of this.”
I think the Pastor forgot that the Bible also said that God gave us individuals to rule over us and that we must be obedient. This was a wrong move by the Pastor and shouldn’t be copied.
MORE NEWS: Not Playing Anymore! MD Governor “Orders” Stay-At-Home Policy Or Face Charges And/Or $5000 Fine
The Rev. Rodney Howard-Browne, pastor of The River at Tampa Bay Church in Tampa, encouraged members of his congregation to attend two 3 1/2-hour-long services Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., despite the state and county prohibition against gatherings of more than 10 people, authorities said.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said his office received a tip Friday and contacted Howard-Browne to warn him against hosting services at the nondenominational megachurch, which has more than 4,000 members.
“My command staff even went out there to speak to the pastor, who did not make himself available,” Chronister said.
He said Howard-Browne not only went against the sheriff’s warnings against hosting the services, he also provided buses to transport members to the church, authorities said.
“His reckless disregard for human life put hundreds of people in his congregation at risk,” Chronister said. “Shame on this pastor, his legal staff and leaders of church for forcing us to do our job. We’re hoping this will be a wake-up call for congregations to stay at home and don’t get in a bus filled with people to go to a service.”
Chronister contacted Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren after watching a video of the Sunday services posted on the church’s Facebook page.
MORE NEWS: Shutdown Theater and Lollipops: How Washington Turned Homeland Security Into a Hostage Drama
This seems to be a pattern in the churches. Our county now has six cases of the virus after a couple returned from overseas and attended a service on the 15th of this month after this church should have been closed by order of the Governor.
Did you hear about the choir practice in Seattle, Washington? That should be an eye-opener. This type of action by local civic, religious, and other types of leaders should be held responsible and, at some point, even be considered manslaughter.
There should include more serious charges, but for sure, if any cases are linked to his services – and resulting deaths – then willful negligence and negligent homicide. There’s just NO excuse for ignorance…religious or otherwise!
MORE NEWS: Census Shenanigans: Looks Like Democrats Are Caught Cheating (Again) to Be “Kings” of the Country
This piece was written by Wayne Dupree on March 30, 2020. It originally appeared in WayneDupree.com and is used by permission.
Read more at WayneDupree.com:
Report: Recent Shipment of Urns in Wuhan Reveals China Might Be Hiding Something Big
Report: Kathy Griffin Caught Red-Handed Trying to Pretend She Had Coronavirus
Breaking Report: Fox Fires Trish Regan After She Reveals Media Plans to Use COVID-19 Against Trump
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Steve Gruber.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.