After White House Christmas Party, Georgia Pastor Tests Positive for COVID

Jentezen Franklin, the senior pastor of Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, and a spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump, tested positive for COVID-19 in December 2020. The diagnosis came shortly after he attended a White House Christmas party. However, a spokesperson for Free Chapel clarified that Franklin’s illness was not connected to the White House event. Instead, he was exposed to the virus through an associate in the Atlanta area two days after the party.

Following his positive test, Franklin experienced mild symptoms and adhered to CDC guidelines by self-isolating and consulting with his physician. In response to his diagnosis and the rising COVID-19 cases in the area, Free Chapel transitioned its Christmas Eve candlelight service to a virtual format to ensure the safety of its congregation.

This incident highlighted the challenges faced by religious communities during the pandemic, balancing in-person worship with health and safety protocols. It also underscored the importance of adhering to public health guidelines, especially during large gatherings.

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