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Charlotte church hosting mass gathering months after fatal coronavirus outbreak

As state health officials warn against large gatherings to ring in 2021, a Charlotte church is hosting a gathering that's expected to bring out hundreds of attendees, according to NBC affiliate WCNC.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As state health officials warn against large gatherings to ring in 2021, a Charlotte church is hosting a gathering that’s expected to bring out around 500 attendees, according to NBC affiliate WCNC.

The United House of Prayer is hosting an event to honor the head bishop of the church. Bishop CM Bailey, the leader of the House of Prayer franchise, which is made up of close to 150 churches, is visiting the Charlotte location Saturday and Sunday.

House of Prayer churches from all over the area are expected to bring members in by bus, WCNC reports.

In October, the Charlotte church hosted a week-long convocation event that drew thousands of members of the church from all over the country. The Mecklenburg County Health Department said at least 208 coronavirus infections and nine deaths were traced back to the event.
WCNC obtained audio of Bishop Bailey telling a congregation he healed them from COVID-19.
One member told WCNC that people believed the bishop has healing powers and pay him thousands of dollars for his visits. 

The bishop is expected to make stops in several states during the month of January with hundreds gathering at each event.

The health department said in a statement to WCNC that the church said they would be taking all the necessary precautions.
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