The United States continues to struggle with the unwanted effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders have disrupted jobs, schooling, family gatherings, shopping habits, travel plans, sporting events, and last but not least, religious observances. Our previous routines have been drastically altered for an undetermined amount of time. While most aspects of life have been temporarily modified to a somewhat acceptable degree, others, such as involvement in our communities of faith, have caused immense frustration from the outset.
As we face health and economic concerns, the comfort, support, and spiritual renewal found when attending weekly services is something that we may crave the most. This time of year is especially difficult. Celebrating Easter is not only a highlight on the Christian calendar, but it is also a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It’s an expected and anticipated faith event that is rarely, if ever, canceled.
But this year, not only are regular, weekly church services now online-only events, but Easter is too. Unfortunately, during a time when we need this spiritual solidarity more than ever, it’s unavailable in the form we’ve always known. But while it may be tempting to flout the recommendations or rules in order to meet with our local congregations, we should steer clear of doing just that.
Some may view the current limitations on gatherings of any kind as an extreme response to what is a temporary problem. When those gatherings are church services, it can feel like an all-out assault on one of the most cherished parts of American life: freedom of religion. The desire to meet at houses of worship is understandable. But any open defiance against guidelines is not a righteous fight against governmental control. Instead, it is a faulty mission that would only result in opening ourselves and others up to possible infection. Since congregations should look out for their own as well as their local communities at large, this resistance is inadvisable.
Around the country, in places such as California, Louisiana, and Texas, some pastors have continued to hold Sunday services despite the many reasons not to do so. It is true that congregants (myself included) want to be together to worship as they please, but this can be accomplished without gathering in person. In these tense times, it’s more important to promote safety measures meant to protect us all than it is to make a statement.
This is not a matter of good versus evil.
Churches are not being asked to refrain from gathering because the state is secretly trying to undermine religion. Instead, they’re recognized as a very social part of American life that can either help or hurt our collective efforts to beat this virus. If churches wish to be an example during this time of crisis, it is best done by following safety protocols that will protect those in their body of believers as well as those outside of it. Next to nothing is gained by publicly refusing to care for our fellow man through misguided rebellion. It is especially absurd when there are means available to gather as one, in different locations, using Zoom, Facebook Live, Webex, and the like.
Ideally, this new normal will be over sooner rather than later, and life will slowly return to normal. In order for that to be possible, all must do their part by following social distancing and hygiene standards. It is certainly not ideal for anyone, including pastors and their congregations, but thankfully, practicing one’s faith can always be done outside of the main church structure.
Going to church is an integral part of life for millions of us, and this deviation from regular routines is an unwanted disruption. But in the midst of our many frustrations and modifications, we’re once again reminded how privileged we are to live in a country where we can practice our faith. Right now, we’re asked to help by maintaining distance, and we should.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner‘s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
