Coronavirus Panic Over 'Big Tent Revival' Religious Gatherings

UPDATE to this story can be found here.

DES PLAINES, IL — An unapproved religious event, described as "jam packed" with people according to its organizer, continues through Sunday and city leaders admit they can do nothing about it. Members of "The Last Reformation" have been holding "Big Tent Revival" meetings all week at the Methodist Campground on East Algonquin Road.

"The City had no choice but to issue a tent permit. The Governor exempted religious groups from his order for gathering of 50 people or less," Alderman Colt Moylan (Des Plaines Ward 2) said in a social media post. "The group is peaceful so far."

Moylan added that the Des Plaines City Council will talk about the campground at its next meeting on Monday "to implement certain language so this won't happen again."

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According to a Kickstarter campaign for the event, "The Last Reformation" was started in 2011 by Torben Sondergaard. Similar gatherings are scheduled around the world following the Des Plaines event with a stop in New Hampshire planned for August.

Earlier this week in Strawberry, Alabama, more than 40 people were infected with the coronavirus after attending a multi-day revival event at a north Alabama Baptist church, according to the congregation’s pastor.

Moylan said the group has been largely contained to the campground in tents and campers. Police are monitoring the grounds and will issue tickets after the event if warranted. He added the City Council is doing everything "within our legal right to protect the residents.

City Demands 'Big Tent Revival' Attendees Wear Masks

A number of residents took to Facebook to express their frustration with city officials and the group. Here are a few posts:

• This is unacceptable! They are in fact out in the community, harassing people! Also, no masks or Social Distancing, putting our residents in harm's way! Shut it down! Talking about it next Monday is not going to help in any way!
• Just drove by. No police anywhere. This is a serious problem and the leaders of our community are completely absent. I am furious
• There have been reports of these people out at Prairie Lakes and Lake Opeka approaching children. They were also at Costco in MP approaching people and are staying at a hotel in Schaumburg. No social distancing and no masks. They are potentially spreading Covid all over the community!

Related:
Illinois Ministry Sues Pritzker, Alleges 'Hostility' To Religion
Court Sides With Pritzker On Religious Gathering Restrictions