As states begin to reopen over the next few weeks, America is turning its attention to reopening further essential services, especially houses of worship. The subject has been hotly discussed as of late, and local elected officials are chiming in with their own viewpoints.
California recently released guidelines for reopening houses of worship, after President Trump recently declared them as essential. In light of the announcement, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a plan for California churches to open with approval from public health officials, so long as they limit attendee capacity and set physical distancing guidelines.
State Senator Brian Jones, though approving of this step in the right direction, is pushing Newsom to take further action in easing restrictions on houses of worship.
“President Trump is right that houses of worship are essential. Just like big-box stores can be trusted to open safely for their customers, California’s faith leaders – who care more for their congregants’ safety than anyone – can also safely provide the essential spiritual care their congregants need,” Jones said. “Californians’ freedom to worship has been infringed, and while the Governor has taken a slight step in the right direction, it is nowhere near an adequate restoration of their fundamental rights. What’s missing is a fundamental understanding that faith, religion and its practice, are essential.”
During the 6:30 PM hour tonight, catch me on @KUSINews defending the right for places of worship to meet, despite the @CAgovernor arbitrary and capricious rules for Californians to meet at maximum 100 people or 25% of the total attendees. pic.twitter.com/oRn5H2645s
— Brian W. Jones (@SenBrianJones) May 28, 2020
Jones has been pushing for the reopening of churches for weeks and will continue to advocate for religious liberty for all Californians in light of this wave of American progress.
