The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

An Idaho ‘no-masker’ pastor prayed against a mask mandate. He’s now in intensive care for covid-19.

September 18, 2020 at 4:39 a.m. EDT
Screenshot of the Candlelight Christian Fellowship church sign. (KHQ)

When coronavirus cases began increasing in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in late July, Pastor Paul Van Noy prayed with his congregation that the city council would not pass a mask mandate.

“I don’t want to be told I have to wear a mask,” he said at the lectern. “We’re adults and we don’t need the government to tell us what to do.”