LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — A Lee’s Summit, Missouri church has filed a federal lawsuit against Jackson County, claiming the county’s stay-at-home order violates religious freedom . The suit was filed Thursday by Abundant Life Baptist Church of Lee’s Summit in the Western District of Missouri and Western Division of Kansas City. It lists Jackson County, the Jackson County Health Department, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jackson County Emergency Coordinator Troy Schulte, Jackson County Health Director Bridgette Shaffer and Truman Medical Center as the defendants. Jackson County is currently under a stay-at-home order through May 10 , and after that it will begin to reopen through a four-phase system with each phase lasting "at least 14 days." The county said phase 1 begins May 11 after the stay-at-home order ends. The county said gatherings and social events of 10 or fewer people are permitted in phase 1 . This includes religious services, funerals, weddings and any other large gathering of people. In addition, the county said most retail stores, personal service providers, restaurants and bars selling food will be allowed to reopen for business, provided they follow the social distancing guidelines and capacity limitations. The plan says nonessential businesses that […]
