NEWS
THE CITY REGROUPS AFTER THOUSANDS GATHERED IN PUBLIC SQUARE PARK FOR A “WORSHIP PROTEST” BY MAY HARTNESS On Oct. 11, thousands of participants, many unmasked and not socially distanced, gathered in Public Square Park to experience Let Us Worship, a campaign dedicated to fighting the alleged censorship of Christian voices in America. Sean Feucht, leader of Let Us Worship, took to social media that evening and said, “We had THREE venue changes and so much resistance BUT THE CHURCH WILL NOT BE SILENCED!” In early July, Feucht created the Let Us Worship pledge. The pledge was made in response to California’s temporary ban on singing and chanting in houses of worship — due to an increased likelihood that
these practices would spread COVID-19. The California Department of Public Health announced that such practices could continue to occur via internet streaming. In the video announcing the pledge, Feucht wears American flag sunglasses and quotes the Bible, specifically the book of Exodus. “Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” This verse in Exodus alludes to a group of people who have been enslaved for over 400 years. “It really is time that we take a stand and fight back” Feucht says. And more than 11,000 have since signed the petition. The Tennessean reports that the orga-
nizers did not apply for a permit for the event, and the Metro Public Health Department is actively pursuing “penalties for the organizer.” MPHD did not respond to questions about how they were pursuing these penalties. Interim Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake released a statement expressing his disappointment in the lack of face coverings and social distancing at the event. He claimed that the organizer of the event had no prior communication with the Metro Nashville Police Department and that the department is working alongside MPHD in “reviewing Sunday’s event.” After images that Feucht posted to In-
stagram from the Nashville event received both support and intense opposition, he removed the comment section entirely from some of his photos. He also released a statement regarding the city government, emphasizing the supposed attack against Christianity. “Nashville launched an effort to selectively target Christians for harassment and punishment. There’s no need for an investigation here,” Feucht says. It’s important to note that Feucht previously ran for the third congressional district in Northern California. He ran as a Republican and received about 13% of votes in the 2020 primary.
In Memorium: Richard Thomas Faust Sept. 3, 1961 - Sept. 28,2020
Richard Thomas Faust, 59, passed away Sept. 28, 2020. He was born Sept. 3, 1961 and grew up in North Carolina but later moved to Georgia, then Louisiana and finally Tennessee. He was raised by his loving grandparents, Albert Thomas Faust, Sr. and Mary Estee Faust of Springlake, NC, who preceded him in death. Ricky overcame many challenges in life and left this world very loved. He took care of the people around him. He worked hard to provide for his family and gave freely to those in need even when he had very little himself. He was a highly skilled wood worker and was well respected within his field until Parkinson’s stole his livelihood. Even though he could no longer work, he still did what he could to help others. In recent years, he volunteered with church members to help feed hungry people in his community. Ricky felt that he was blessed every day and tried
to pass that onto everyone he met. He will be remembered as a hard-working, loving and giving man. Not because of some singular heroic act but because of those small, everyday moments that showed his love and kindness. Those moments live on in our hearts even though he is gone. He is survived by his daughter, Camille Stearns (Jason), his Aunt Charlotte Faust Eaves, nephew Dauphin Childs, cousin Karen Kallam, his beloved dog, Lil Bit, and many other family and friends. A memorial service will be held Nov. 1st at 2pm at 2011 24th Ave. North. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, please wear a mask and understand that the number of attendees will be limited to 25. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating your time or money to The Little Pantry That Could at http://thelittlepantrythatcould.org and Hands On Nashville at hon.org.
October 28 - November 11, 2020 | The Contributor | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE | PAGE 5
