Many churches in Georgia are not planning on reopening despite calls from Republican Gov. Brian Kemp for institutions in the state to transition out of the coronavirus shutdown.
A group of black Baptist pastors at a Friday press conference in Augusta expressed their dissatisfaction with Kemp’s order, saying that his decision to reopen the state will not “dictate our actions.”
“We are urging all Georgians to follow the recommended guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stay home, practice social distancing, wear masks, and wash your hands frequently,” the group said in a joint statement. “Let’s not be hasty and miss the way.”
The group, led by the Rev. Charles Goodman of the Tabernacle Baptist Church, urged other faith leaders to speak out against Kemp’s decision to reopen the state, which went into effect Friday.
“We hope our colleagues in the faith community will continue to use wisdom and urge their parishioners to shelter in place while extending the ministry of the church beyond the pastors and leaders,” Goodman said.
Other churches in Georgia have also hesitated to reopen. Catholic bishops in the state issued a letter Thursday afternoon informing priests and church members that they would maintain a cancellation of celebrating Mass in public through May.
The bishops extended that shutdown to drive-in services, the subject of legal controversy in many states, arguing that such services would be “flooded with attendees” and pose a serious public health risk.
“Parishes that could accommodate a drive-through service or reconciliation for their own members would not be able to safely accommodate the additional people from surrounding communities,” the bishops wrote.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church on Thursday made a similar decision, with Bishop Reginald Jackson telling the more than 500 AME churches in the state to continue streaming their Sunday services.
Jackson compared the desire to reopen to the biblical temptations of Christ in the desert.
“When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness and the devil said to him, ‘Alright … jump off, and see if God will send his angels to bail you out.’ You shouldn’t put God to a foolish test,” he told a local Fox affiliate.
Although he never explicitly banned in-person church services, Kemp said Monday that churches should now feel comfortable to resume such services provided that they follow social distancing guidelines. At the same time, Kemp said that churches should follow whatever health guidelines they think are best.
“I urge faith leaders to continue to help us in this effort and keep their congregations safe by heeding the advice of public health officials,” he said. “Of course, online, call-in, or drive-in services remain good options for religious institutions.”
Kemp faced widespread criticism, even from fellow Republicans, when he initially announced his decision to reopen. South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham called the decision “too fast too soon.”
President Trump criticized Kemp during a Wednesday press conference, saying that his plans were not in keeping with federal guidelines for reopening the country.
“I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the phase one guidelines,” Trump said. “At the same time, he must do what he thinks is right. I want him to do what he thinks is right, but I disagree with him on what he’s doing.”
