An official investigation declared Calvary Chapel Red Bluff free from any wrongdoing in their ballot-collecting efforts.

A San Francisco-based media scrutiny led to an investigation that concluded the church's ballot collection did not breach California electoral laws, the Christian Post reported.

In early November, SFGate raised concerns about the activities of Calvary Chapel Red Bluff during the presidential election, initiating a legal review by questioning the legality of a nationwide ballot collection campaign facilitated by the church. SFGate's article, dated November 9, hinted at possible legal challenges facing the church.

Initial Concerns Over Election Compliance

Tehama County Clerk and Recorder Sean Houghtby initially doubted the legality of the initiative, suggesting it might violate state regulations established in 2020. His concerns grew significant enough for him to consider forwarding the matter to the District Attorney for further review.

Real Impact, a ministry branch of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills led by Gina Gleason, partnered with the church to provide ballot collection training. This collaboration attracted scrutiny and raised concerns about the church's potential involvement in election misdeeds.

District Attorney and Election Officials Issue a Statement

By November 22, a joint statement from District Attorney Matthew Rogers and local election officials clarified the situation. It confirmed that the activities of Calvary Chapel Red Bluff during the ballot collection did not violate any election laws.

The Advocates for Faith and Freedom, a legal group supporting the church, also confirmed the outcome of their discussions with the district attorney and the registrar of voters, emphasizing that no legal boundaries were crossed.

Reaction From Church and Legal Advocates

Pastor Greg Phelps of Calvary Chapel Red Bluff and Robert Tyler, an attorney with Advocates for Faith and Freedom, responded to the allegations brought by the media. They emphasized that the church's actions were within legal confines and criticized the media for what they viewed as misleading and harmful reporting.

"We just want to serve our people and positively affect our community. We will not be silenced or deterred by those who seek to distort our intentions," stated Pastor Phelps.

Meanwhile, Tyler asserted the right of faith-based organizations to participate in electoral processes without fear of undue pressure or intimidation.

Gina Gleason Critiques Media's Role In Election Activities

Gina Gleason, who led the ballot collection training for Calvary Chapel Red Bluff, criticized the initial article by SFGate. She labeled the reporting as "sloppy and lazy," accusing the media outlet of attempting to frighten churches away from legal electoral involvement.

She highlighted the potential chilling effect such reports could have on the willingness of churches to engage in similar lawful activities. Gleason vehemently defended the role of churches in these civic activities, underscoring their compliance with the law.

Election Integrity and Faith-Based Involvement

The conclusion of this inquiry not only clarifies the position of Calvary Chapel Red Bluff but also sets a precedent for other religious organizations involved in similar activities. Furthermore, the ruling underscores the importance of adhering to electoral laws while actively participating in the democratic process.

Moreover, this incident sheds light on the complex interaction between faith-based initiatives and electoral regulations, reflecting the broader dialogue about the role of such institutions in political processes.

In addition, the exculpation of Calvary Chapel Red Bluff serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding election laws and the participation of diverse groups within those frameworks. Consequently, both officials and community leaders must navigate these waters carefully to ensure fair and lawful election conduct.