Free Expression vs. Public Health

The 4th chapter of Luke contains the proclamation of Jesus when He taught in the synagogue, the essence of His message, a message that we can enthusiastically embrace and proclaim ourselves. We
see these words:
17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

He then said in verse 21: "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

We know that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies written about Him and that in His death and through His resurrection, He brought the promised redemption to the entire world, reconciling humanity that had been separated from Himself.  Even in the Psalms, we find the words that He was to speak on the cross.  His story has unfolded throughout the ages, and now He is writing His story through us.  We have a responsibility to show the world who Jesus is and to radiate His truth and love.

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In Isaiah 52, we find a wonderful picture of faithful proclamation of truth even among those who
have shown that they do not accept or respect the people of God. We can read:
5 Now therefore, what have I here," says the Lord, "That My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them Make them wail," says the Lord, "And My name is blasphemed continually every day.
6 Therefore My people shall know My name; Therefore they shall know in that day That I am He who speaks: 'Behold, it is I.' "
7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

For the past few weeks, as state leaders have carefully crafted and issued stay-at-home orders in their states to curb the spread of COVID-19, there has emerged quite a tapestry of views regarding churches and religious organizations.  The argument boils down to whether or not churches are considered to be essential or non-essential and what implications that may have regarding religious freedom of churches in the state.

ReligionNews.com actually has a breakdown on state laws and how they are regarding religion during this critical juncture.  In the preface to the listing of these regulations, the article states this:

Most states have issued stay-at-home orders that include bans on gatherings larger than 10 people and encourage social distancing of 6 feet but do not clearly indicate how those regulations apply to worship communities.

Some states have taken the step to prohibit faith groups from worshipping in person, pointing to several instances in the U.S. and abroad of the virus spreading during religious services. Others have carved out exemptions that allow religious groups to gather under certain circumstances, and still others permit religious assemblies without any formal restrictions whatsoever.

According to this study, only seven states have what the article terms as "Statewide orders with religious exemptions."  These are: Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia.  In most of the cases, governors have encouraged people not to gather for religious services.  And, across the country, it has been reported that the overwhelming majority of churches have gone to some sort of online outreach to serve their congregations; ChristianHeadlines.com reported on a LifeWay Research study from late March that showed only 7 percent of Protestant pastors said their congregations were meeting.

Florida is among those states listed by Religion News as having "religious exemptions," and the article states:

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ statewide order explicitly exempts religious gatherings, listing them as “essential activities.” When asked about religious services, DeSantis told reporters, “There’s no reason why you can’t do a church service with people six feet apart.”

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey's stay-at-home order is listed among the "Statewide orders with religious exemptions, but with restrictions" camp. The article says:

Gov. Kay Ivey’s statewide order lists religious services as “essential activities” that are exempt from its broader restrictions. However, religious worship services, weddings or funerals must involve “fewer than 10 people and the people maintain a consistent six foot distance from one another” or be a “drive-in” worship service in which participants remain in their vehicles – shared only with residents of the same household — for the entirety of the service.

According to the article, Alabama joins four other states in that category: Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, in classifying churches as "essential."  Georgia is among those offering exemptions with restrictions.  The article says:

A representative from Gov. Brian Kemp’s office said the state’s order does allow faith groups to continue to operate in a limited capacity: “In short, churches can continue to operate if they abide by social distancing and implement the expanded social distancing and sanitation protocols on Attachment B of the order.”

Then you have the "Statewide orders that do not exempt religious groups;" in which churches are treated no differently than other organizations and businesses, although some have issued statements urging churches to "meet" in creative ways.  Kansas was originally mentioned in a separate category - there the governor's order to keep religious gatherings at 10 or under was overturned by Republican leaders, but since the article was published, over the weekend, the governor's order was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.  It has now been added to the "non-exemption" group.

So, where does this leave us as the Church?  I think it is important to highlight violations of religious liberty during this time, but we recognize that we still have individual responsibility - follow the civil authorities and the guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19; namely to practice social distancing, stay at home wherever possible, and to take common sense measures.  Where there is latitude, and I think drive-in church services certainly fall in that category, those who exercise that option should not be punished.

Religious freedom must be upheld under the Constitution.  And, a key component, as it was pointed out by attorneys on The Meeting House program is that churches should not be treated any differently than similar gatherings or operations under public health orders. The Bible speaks negatively about applying differing weights, highlighting inconsistencies that can be harmful.

Ultimately it is important that the proper respect is shown for religious faith.  This nation was built on a foundation of Judeo-Christian principles, and especially in times of crisis, people should be free, within reason and in the interest of public health, to continue to freely express their faith.

Finally, there is the question of the Church being essential or non-essential.  Even though some states seem to have not received the memo, I believe that authorities and culture at large should regard the role of the church and ministries as "essential."  Churches offer spiritual hope and in some cases, are involved in doing public ministry to those who have physical needs.  The proclamation of God's Word is sorely needed in these times, and I am thankful for the faithful and creative teaching of His truth that we see disseminated through technological means.