Johnston Reporter

After a federal judge temporarily lifted restrictions created by Gov. Roy Coopers executive order on the number of worshippers who can attend indoor services, state Sen. Jim Burgin (R-Harnett) attended church at Crossroads Church in Lillington, he posted to Facebook on May 17. 

"It’s wonderful to have a Federal Judge that knows the constitution and follows the law, rather than trying to make law," Burgin wrote on Facebook. 

The executive order blocked worship services from having more than 10 members during an indoor service, but there were no restrictions from outdoor gatherings. The suit was filed by North Carolina churches, pastors, religious leaders and the Christian non-profit Return America. 

“There is no pandemic exception to the Constitution of the United States or the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment,” Dever wrote, according to multiple media outlets, and is published on Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Forest's website, who is also the lieutenant governor. 

On Facebook, Burgin said he enjoyed being able to worship legally in the state. 

"We had two great services, with many people who I haven’t seen since this started," Burgin said on Facebook. "Our church maintained social distancing and has enacted many measures to ensure that our gatherings are as safe as possible."