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We need to talk about churches and Covid-19. The 1st Amendment does not have an astrisk providing for exceptions during pandemics. Bars are reopening, restaurants are reopening, theaters are reopening, why are churches still prohibited from holding worship services? 1/7
I recognize that churches seem to be hospitable to the spread of Covid-19, but that doesn't give governors the right to prohibit church gatherings. The people have a right to worship as they please and to peaceably assemble. Covid-19 does not nullify the Bill of Rights. 2/7
I say this as the member of a church governing body that has just voted to suspend in-person activities (including worship) for another month, I fully support that decision. But our decision was voluntary. 3/7
If churches and their members want to worship in person, then they have the responsibility to evaluate the risks and do what they can to mitigate those risks for their congregations. No one is forcing people to attend worship services. 4/7
The fact that states have been shutting down outdoor services and drive-up services where there is little to no risk of virus transmission, suggests that there is more to this than bending the curve. (Remember, bending the curve not eliminating Covid-19 was the goal) 5/7
The government cannot force us to worship nor can it prohibit us from worshipping. When governments feel that they can justify prohibition of worship for "the public good" there will be no end to what's defined as "the public good." 6/7
Given that all other elements of society are beginning to open back up, I don't see how government can single out houses of worship. Putting out guidelines for the safe re-opening of churches is prudent. To suggest it is not is to suggest churches be closed forever. 7/7
