The New Orleans Police Department is asking people not to attend a Christian rally planned for New Year’s Eve at Jackson Square.
The event called “The Body of Christ Presents New Years Eve 20/20 Revival Rally: Declaring Revival Over Our City & Nation” is planned for 10pm to midnight according to the event flyer.
The flyer says One Accord Ministries in Avondale will provide transportation. Pastor Andy “Rebirth” Pellerano of One Accord Ministries tells The Times Picayune | New Orleans Advocate that his church along with other churches wanted to gather and pray for the community.
“This crazy year we’ve been through is ending.” Pellerano said “It’s our right to gather … to really petition (God) on behalf of our city. We believe in the power of prayer.… This is what’s needed.”
However, the NOPD says the planned event is unpermitted and violates the city’s COVID-19 guidelines. The department says officers are prepared to enforce the city’s COVID-19 restrictions but did not say how the restrictions would be enforced.
Anticipating large gatherings, the city put in place certain restriction for New Year’s Eve.
There will be no fireworks display on the riverfront this year and New Orleans police will block vehicle and pedestrian traffic around Jax Brewery where Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve will be televised.
