A North Richmond pastor who was given a misdemeanor citation for violating the public health order at his church on Easter Sunday has issued a brief statement about the incident.
Pastor Wyndford A. Williams, Sr. of All Nations Church of God in Christ at 1225 York St., stated:
“Easter Sunday is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian faith. A small service was held with approximately 40 people in attendance. Masks were worn. Hand sanitizers was provided. Families that live together, sat together. Otherwise, social distancing was observed.”
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office’s report differs from the pastor’s account. The sheriff’s office said a deputy responded to the church after receiving an anonymous complaint about an unlawful assembly at the church. The deputy reported seeing about 40 people inside the church not wearing face masks or practicing social distancing, as mandated by the public health order during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The deputy also reported the pastor was uncooperative. The citation was issued the following day.
