Should Churches Close During Public Health Crisis?
Should Churches Close During Public Health Crises?


Should Churches Close During Public Health Crises?

I’m not an infectious disease expert, so I can only go so far commenting about coronavirus.

But I can say, Leaders are not omniscient, can’t predict the future, make mistakes.

Schools close to reduce spread of the virus. Good? Maybe. But we can’t ID umpteen other ripple effects.

Similar for shutting down major sports schedules. Good? No one knows.

However, it concerns me to see governors using executive orders to ban gatherings over certain numbers, including churches.

I know this is not an anti-religious action. But ceding to government power over religious assembly seems unwise.

A health crisis is short-term, while unhindered religious congregation is a long-term civil liberty essential to free society.

And historically, through many plagues, Christian churches largely remained open and Christians provided sacrificial care, community, aid, solace, hope, and trust in the Living God.

Churches should not ignore public concerns, but still, seek to open in whatever ways they can.