Pastor John Greiner of Glorious Way Church in Houston recently explained his approved vote in line with 'Proposition 3.'

Also known as House Bill 1239, the bill prohibits the state or government from closing religious gatherings and churches. 

Glorious Way Church Pastor Explanation

Christian Headlines talked with Pastor Greiner on his choice to favor 'Proposition 3.' 

He said that he believed the closure of churches during the pandemic was "unconstitutional." For him, people who choose to go to church "should be in charge of their own health care decision."

Thus, he approved the bill limiting the state's power to close the church doors for parishioners. 

According to the Houston pastor, despite the pandemic, people still go to church. He added that most of them get very upset over pastors closing their services or limiting them to online masses. 

He reiterated that voting yes to the proposition equates to an "educated Christian decision." 

As reported, the pastor has been vocal in his role against church closure. Pastor Greiner launched the "My God Votes campaign." 

According to its website, the initiative aims to "wake up the church" in response to the 'government-sanctioned, forced closing of his church' in 2020. 

In the report, Pastor Greiner shared his belief that the church should be the place that heals people. Thus, faith communities should also be the ones to decide whether or not they will close their doors.

He said: "I don't think that the government should impose that upon any group at all."

Inclusion of 'Proposition 3' Mandate

According to Baptist Press news, Proposition 3 is a response to amending the state constitution. As told, it pertains to the government's power to limit and prohibit the conduct of religious services.

Amid the peak of COVID-19, all churches and religious gatherings were halted to prevent the spread of the virus. 

The House of Representatives and the Senate have already passed the said bill with "unanimous support" from both Republicans and Democrats. 

Rep. Scott Sanford of Texas 70th District told the report that the 'bill is a Biblical and constitutional way to address the issue.'

Aside from religious support, Sanford also explained that churches helped to "lower the burden of local government" in the community. He cited that religious groups establish programs for people involved with domestic issues or addiction. 

Hence, through the bill, churches can reportedly have an assurance of continuing their service.

Sanford also believed that churches practice religion in line with safety protocols. He stated that "they [churches] were very conscious of safety, because we love our people and we want them to be safe."

But, Sanford reiterated that ministries should also operate in a "stable and legal environment." As reported, the Texan representative is also a local pastor. 

Specific Amendment to State Constitution

As mentioned, once the bill is passed as a law, it will change a part of the constitution. 

Based on Ballot Pedia, the house bill will specifically amend 'Article 1' of the state's constitution. 

This section will reportedly prohibit the "state or any political subdivision" from enacting a proclamation. This can be in the form of a law, rule, or order that limits religious services.

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