Pastor John MacArthur, who famously defied a California coronavirus order prohibiting houses of worship from holding in-person services, has been hospitalized with pneumonia, reported The U.S. Sun.

“This week, Pastor John contracted pneumonia,” Tom Patton, the associate pastor at Grace Community Church, said during Sunday’s service. “He was admitted into the hospital and may be in the presence of the Lord soon.”

MacArthur in 2020 defied California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order and held religious services amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands showed up.

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