Loading...Religious Liberty in Panemic Times - Kathie Moore
During the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, many state and local governments implemented a number of strategies to "flatten the curve" of the infection spread. Several businesses and organizations, including churches, were deemed "non-essential." Most churches across the nation complied with restrictions on indoor religious gatherings, and created digital devotion spaces that enabled the continuation of worship services at a time we could not do so in person. Yet a few pastors and congregations defied government restrictions and continued to offer in-person church services. Some insisted that authorities add churches to the list of essential services exempt from the lockdown. Several filed lawsuits against public officials, arguing that the regulation of indoor gatherings violated their constitutional rights. What became of this defiant worship? How do we, as followers of Jesus, understand our obligations to our neighbors, the community, and the government?
