Sheltering in place isn’t an attack on religious freedoms

At a time of community crisis, our faith should include loving our community enough to protect it by following the rules that will keep us and our fellow citizens safe.

Medical experts tell us that social distancing works, and in the case of churches and religious gatherings, practicing their faith remotely. However, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has been slapped with a lawsuit that asks the Texas Supreme Court to stop the stay-at-home order that bans churches from coming together in person. Three Houston-area pastors and a conservative activist behind the suit contend they are upholding constitutional rights to exercise religion, assembly and free speech.

In the petition, the pastors argue that “the circumstances presented by coronavirus do not excuse unlawful government infringements” and “the free exercise of religion … should not be sacrificed at the altar of political expediency.” They also contend that while “people of faith are prohibited from worshipping in person, most private businesses are prevented from operating, gun shops are ordered closed, and people are not allowed to associate together in groups — these are some of the individual freedoms Judge Hidalgo has chosen to sacrifice.”

Constitutional rights are essential to the functioning of our democracy. And it’s also understandable that in this time of instability, people need the encouragement that a church service can provide. However, a large church gathering goes against the steps that our communities must take to combat the coronavirus.

A shepherd’s main responsibility is to protect the flock. Defiance of an order to reduce group gatherings endangers congregants. The nation is on the wrong side of the curve as coronavirus infections and deaths rise. More than 250 million people in at least 30 states are being urged or ordered to stay home to curtail the spread of the pandemic.

The trends of infections and deaths are going to have to show signs of significantly shifting downward before groups will be allowed to gather. Pastors are first responders and should be seeking out congregants who need spiritual comfort, not asking the flock to gather under dangerous circumstances.