Newsom barred from imposing coronavirus restrictions on churches May 18, 2021 By JOSH FRIEDMAN The state of California has settled a lawsuit with Christian organizations over coronavirus restrictions placed on houses of worship, ending Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ability to close churches or limit their occupancy. [The Center Square] Last year, Liberty Counsel, a Christian legal organization, filed suit on behalf of Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry. Following multiple United States Supreme Court rulings against Newsom’s restrictions, Liberty Counsel and the California Attorney General’s Office submitted a final settlement last week to the district court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.