There could be mass casualties.
Churchgoers and government officials are wrestling with how to best handle grave health official recommendations that public gatherings are put on hold until the coronavirus pandemic is under control.
While most of the country has banned businesses and other organizations from hosting crowds, Kansas, Ohio, New Mexico and Michigan have granted exemptions for houses of worship, according to an ABC News report published Sunday morning as some parishioners were starting their sabbath day.
In Michigan, gatherings of more than 50 people are against the law — unless those people are attending a religious service.
Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer reportedly told Fox News Sunday that Republicans in state government, as well as concerns about the first amendment’s guarantee to the freedom of speech and religious, have complicated matters for her.
In Kansas, meetings of more than 10 people are forbidden, unless those people are worshiping. Those congregates are still expected to observe social distancing rules that would requite they stand 6 feet apart. Not only are church gathering allowed in Ohio, but the state reportedly allows weddings and funerals to take place in front of crowds. Only five New Mexicans are allowed to meet in the same place but, again, an exemption is in place for religious services.
Americans United for the Separation of Church and State president Rachel Laser told ABC that state governors are misinterpreting the law of the land, which in her opinion, requires religious and non-religious organizations to be treated equally.
“The Constitution not only permits it, but demands it,” she said.
Some churches have taken to broadcasting sermons online so parishioners can safely pray from home. On March 9, the Vatican announced Pope Francis’ daily mass would be live streamed every morning as the pandemic forced Italians to quarantine nationwide.
The massive Life Tabernacle Church in Louisiana — a state that has been ravaged by coronavirus — not only held services last week, but bused in more than 1,800 people to participate in a wild spectacle where people hugged, cried and held hands. Few people seen on video appeared to be wearing gloves or masks.
Pastor Tony Spell told his massive congregation he would address concerns of their being exposed to the coronavirus pandemic by “laying hands on them and praying for them and depending on God to heal their body.”
Spell reportedly his crowd size this Sunday was roughly half that of last week’s gathering.
President Trump raised concern with health officials last week by stating he’d like to see churches full on next month’s Easter holiday. During a Sunday briefing with the White House’s Coronavirus Task Force, the president conceded that optimistic goal wasn’t realistic.
