Around 500 worshippers attended Sunday services at Life Tabernacle, a church in the town of Central, La., near Baton Rouge, defying the governor's ban on large gatherings.
State data shows more than 160 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in East Baton Rouge Parish, where the church is located. Seven have died.
Timothy Spell, father of Pastor Tony Spell, told reporters that the church has a right to assembly, and no parishoners were being forced to attend services. He also claimed the church was not breaking any laws and will continue to hold services.
At least one neighbor of the church complained that the gathering was dangerous and suggested that worshipers congregate via the internet as other parishes have.
More than 3,500 residents in Louisiana have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, and more than 150 have died, according to state figures. Gov. John Bel Edwards said that such violations of his ban are selfish and irresponsible, noting that gathering in large groups makes it more likely that the virus will continue to spread.
In New Orleans, where more than 1,300 have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 73 have died, police report receiving more than 300 complaints in the past week about violations of the ban on gatherings of more than 10 people.