Ethical Society leader: Religious congregations should lead by example and close their doors

Texas has closed in on a grim milestone: nearly 7,500 deaths from COVID-19. Only Florida and California have reported more total cases. Gov. Greg Abbott’s mask mandate last month was long overdue but it seems not to be enough. It remains to be seen whether he will once again shut down all non-essential businesses. But if he doesn’t act, our religious institutions have a chance to lead by example and close their physical doors to help save lives.

My congregation, the Ethical Society of Austin, recently made the decision to continue to meet only virtually through the end of the year. It was difficult, but we had to face the facts of our current situation and recognize that to gather in person would be to risk the health of all of our members and the lives of those among us who are elderly or in poor health.

Things would undoubtedly get worse financially if businesses followed our lead, and the government would need to step in to support the most vulnerable who are already struggling to pay their bills. The stalled Stimula talks in Congress would be a start. But this is a matter of life and death, and religious institutions can and should play a role in influencing public opinion in the direction needed to help fight the spread of this virus.

For decades, Americans have looked to the clergy for moral guidance. Although the Pew Research Center indicates that religion seems to be waning in influence, that same study found most Americans see it as having the potential to be a force for good in society. Unfortunately, there have been indications that some congregations have been a focal point for the virus.

The New York Times reported that 650 cases across the country have been linked to churches and religious events, including 50 from a church in San Antonio. In Virginia, a pastor died from COVID-19 after encouraging his congregants to ignore social distancing guidelines. When Gov. Gavin Newsom of California banned singing in churches as a means of prevention, churches sued him citing religious freedom. Similar arguments have been made against preventing in-person services.

The freedom of Americans to worship as they please is a fundamental human right. But closing the physical doors of churches, synagogues or mosques is not about infringing on religious liberty. In fact, it’s consistent with the core tenets of all religions. The Torah preaches the love and support of the stranger. The story of the Good Samaritan is a central theme of Christianity. Compassion is an essential practice of Buddhism. This is a chance to put aside our deep human need to be close in a time of danger and to show compassion for others; it is a chance to lead with love.

Closing the physical doors of our religious institutions does not mean we must end our meetings and fellowship with our congregants. If religion is truly declining in influence across the country, this is an opportunity to turn the tide and think about new, creative ways to serve our communities. As my society meets virtually every Sunday, we have gained attendance from folks not just in Central Texas but from other parts of the state, too. We have also welcomed members from Michigan, Florida and Louisiana. As a result, we’ve committed ourselves to keeping the virtual doors open when this crisis abates.

A second shutdown will be hard to endure both spiritually and economically but saving lives stands above all concerns. Without clear and honest direction from our elected leaders, I call on clergy and lay leaders in Texas to take action on their own: Look to the tenets of your own faith, and show people what moral leadership looks like.

Carolyn A. Parker is president of the Ethical Society of Austin and chair of the Ethical Action Committee of the American Ethical Union.