Places of Worship are Essential by Lance



So yesterday the president announced places of worship were essential and called on governors to reopen churches immediately.

https://apnews.com/8a34b6599602dbd751f2c1fcb93387fe

As is everything Trump does these days criticism began almost immediately with the mayor of Chicago.

And the headline from none other than CNN

Trump stokes base with call to reopen churches as Americans head into uncertain holiday weekend


Or CNBC

Trump slams governors, demands they open houses of worship 'right now'



Well, the CDC has issued its guidelines and they are the same as every other essential business still open.  Clean, mask, distance and dont share stuff.  And let's remember what is considered essential.  Liquor stores, pot shops and of course White House press conferences.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/faith-based.html

For the naysayers, consider why a church might be essential.  First, to dispel your first claim, yes a person's faith is between them and their God.  A church building is just that, a building.  A building where folks gather for spiritual growth, uplifting and renewal.  We could all use a bit of that.

Beyond that is the community service provided.  A significant number of recovery groups use church basements to gather for their meetings.  Our state is now allowing groups of ten or less to gather, but the church buildings cant open to allow them to gather.  These include grief recovery, divorce recovery, alcohol and drug recovery.

Is it selfish to want to get some encouragement.  To want to feel better, especially if you've lost a job or are stressed from being at home non-stop with a spouse or children.  I think not.  Anybody who goes knows the risks.  Is it their choice or yours.




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