There is a world of confusion surrounding the re-opening of the Nation and unfortunately the church is caught in the middle. To alleviate the confusion, the following is a summary of the Guidelines which currently apply to churches.
Guidance Currently in Place for Churches:
From the President of the United States-
On April 2, 2020 President Trump issued his 30 Days to Slow the Spread Guidelines which is in effect till April 30.
On April 16, 2020 President Trump issued his “Opening Up America Again” Guidelines, which laid out a 3 Phases Approach to Re-opening the Country. With regard to the church this phased approach would allow gatherings of 10 or less in Phase 1 and 2, and gatherings of 50 or more in Phase 3. So far none of the UPLCII Districts are in the Phase 1 category. Therefore we are still under the 10 or less restrictions on gatherings.
From the Governor of Texas-
On April 21, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an updated version of their joint statement entitled “Guidance to Houses of Worship During the COVID-19 Crisis.” The statement was an attempt to clarify the guidance previously given from the Governor to Houses of Worship in Texas.
It is possible that this clarification also came in response to a law suit filed by some churches in the state of Texas who felt that the orders had been a violation of religious freedoms.
Additionally there have been a few articles written by state think-tanks which have tended to overstate the lifting of the protocols given to churches for safety during this time. This has only served to confuse the issue further.
The following is a summary of the guidance provided by the Governor.
What the Joint Statement Says:
- The Governors Joint Statement acknowledges that the church is essential, and that religious liberties may not be violated.
- The Governor is asking us to help slow the spread of the virus. (The Governors Joint Statement acknowledgments that the state can not close a church constitutionally, but they are asking that we help slow the spread of the virus by not meeting in large groups.
- The Governors Joint Statement requires that “Houses of worship should conduct as many of their activities as possible remotely.” This means Online, Drive-In, Drive Thru.
- The Governors Joint Statement Affirms the CDC guidelines as still in force. “Services that houses of worship cannot conduct remotely should be conducted in accordance with guidance from the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”).” Current CDC guidance limits gatherings to 10 or less until a state enters Phase 3 of the Reopening Guidelines.
- The Governors Joint Statement acknowledgments that if a church cannot meet remotely (online, Drive-In, etc.) that it can do the following if it adheres to the CDC Guidelines: (Current CDC guidance limits gatherings to 10 or less until a state enters Phase 3 of the Reopening Guidelines.)
- Encourage all attendees who are 65 and above to stay home and watch the services online, or provide a “senior service” exclusively for attendees 65 and above to attend in person.
- Ask all attendees who have an underlying at-risk health condition to stay home and watch the services online.
- Equip ushers and greeters with gloves and masks.
- Consider keeping child care closed, unless the house of worship can complywith CDC guidelines for child care facilities
- Ensure all attendees sanitize their hands and put on a mask before entering the building.
- Ensure attendees sit with their family unit, use social distancing between each unit, and, if necessary, add more service times to facilitate distancing.
- Clergy should dismiss attendees by family unit, maintaining social distancing.
- Staff should sanitize seats and frequently touched surfaces between services.
- Consider refraining from passing collection plates and instead provide a central collection box in the building or encourage online giving.
- Consider how the sacraments can be administered without attendees having to touch the same surfaces and objects.
- The Governors Joint Order recommends that in-person gatherings which comply with the CDC should adhere to the following. (CDC limits to 10)
- Instruct sick employees, volunteers, and guests to stay home;
- Practice social distancing by maintaining appropriate distance between people;
- Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, using your elbow to cover coughs, and not touching your face;
- Implement environmental cleanliness and sanitization practices; and
- Clean and disinfect work areas frequently.
- Houses of worship, like providers of other essential services, are to follow additional guidance from the White House and CDC whenever possible.
What Does It Mean For UPLCII Churches:
- It is our recommendation that the church should adhere to the CDC Guidelines which currently restrict gatherings to 10 or less, until we enter Phase 3 of “Opening Up America Again” as outlined by the White House and the CDC. Additionally, since every church is in a unique local context, we highly recommend that the specific guidance of county and city authorities should be followed by the local church.
- While it may be our right to gather as Christians it is the duty of all believers to seek the well being of our nation, (Jeremiah 29:7) and of those in authority are asking us to help slow the spread of the virus in our communities, we should cooperate until those in authority believe that it is safe to gather again. (Romans 13:1)
- It is also important to consider the liability incurred by a congregation which decides not to adhere to the guidance provided. A liability which opens up the congregation to both possible legal action as well as a liability to its testimony as a light in the community.