Texas Governor decrees religious services are “essential services”

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – In an amendment to his March 19 executive order on limiting the spread of coronavirus, the Governor of Texas has decreed that attending “religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship” is as important as shopping for food or going to medical appointments. The executive amendment came into effect on April 2.

Gov.Greg Abbott (R) has added “religious services” to the list of “essential services” compiled by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Governor’s amended order reads: “If religious services cannot be conducted from home or through remote services, they should be conducted consistent with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation, and by implementing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

In a press release, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the guidance issued for holding religious services was designed to protect Texans as they “exercise religious liberty and serve their faith communities.”

KBTX-TV reported that, in keeping with the order, some 25 congregants entered the City on a Hill church in Houston last week and were issued with rubber gloves at the door. Seats had also been placed 6 feet apart there was a sign indicating five things that should be done to contain the virus, including staying home if sick.

While a majority of churches in the US and worldwide hold church services by “assembling” to worship God online, a number of Christian groups reportedly believe in-person church services are essential for their communities during this time of crisis.

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