On Thursday, July 2, Governor Abbott issued a new executive order, GA 29, and a proclamation amending GA 28. Executive Order GA 29 mandates facemasks be worn by persons over 10 years of age when inside commercial entities or other spaces open to the public. Unlike the recent orders by county judges, this order is directed to the individuals, not the business.
Of note for you is that persons actively providing or obtaining religious worship are among the exceptions. So people don’t have to wear masks into church. But while the order exempts worshipers and worship leaders, the Governor goes on to say, “but wearing a face covering is strongly encouraged.”
The proclamation amends GA 28, allowing mayors and county judges to impose restrictions on outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people. While it affirms that “people should not be in groups larger than 10 and shall maintain 6 feet social distancing from those not in their group,” it does not change the statement in GA 28 affirming there is no occupancy limit for religious services, including those conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.”
Conclusions:
1. COVID 19 remains a concern, with confirmed cases, the test positivity rate, and hospitalizations increasing.
2. Given the increasing number of GTBN church members who have contracted COVID 19, with some confirmed spread occurring through church activities, each church should review carefully how it will respond in the days and week ahead. Indeed, a few GTBN congregations have again suspended their gatherings for a period.
3. Churches currently are under no governmental constraints regarding their worship services, nor have officials asked that we voluntarily suspend gatherings. While the question concerning activities apart from worship services is legally unsettled (Ex: do Bible classes count as “religious services.”), the state has given churches broad latitude to make decisions as each congregation believes is best.
4. The proclamation allowing local leaders more control over gatherings, including limiting their size, does not apply to worship services. It will likely affect any outdoor activities conducted in public spaces, such as Back Yard Bible Clubs, block parties, or sports camps. If your church is planning such events, contact your county judge or mayor’s office for direction.
I was asked this afternoon, “Are we at a point when we need to cancel our in-person worship services again?” This is a question you will need to work through with your leaders. Each church is different. If I knew of confirmed current cases of COVID 19 among staff or members who had interacted with others at church after their exposure, I’d likely suspend services for a couple of weeks to quarantine, deep clean, and have a “re-set,” especially is the members included a high number of vulnerable persons.
On the other hand, if the church I led was not linked to spread of the disease and the church was following appropriate protocols, I would support continued gatherings. I would, however, delay children’s ministries and classroom activities until we see how the numbers run over the next couple of weeks.
As your church works through your decisions, please know that I am praying for you.
If you continue meeting, or when you resume, remember the guidelines
1) Promote healthy hygiene, including frequent hand washing, hand sanitizer, cough and sneeze etiquette, etc.
2) Encourage the use of face coverings.
3) Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation.
4) Promote social distancing, 6 ft between families at worship or persons in groups; discourage hugs and handshakes.
5) Minimize the use of shared materials (bibles, passing the offering plate or Lord's Supper tray, etc).
Of course, these orders come down on a Thursday, with little time to communicate changes you might make for Sunday. Do what you can. If I can help you process any of this, please call. And remember, our Lord sits on His throne. He’s got this!
Blessings,
Jim
Dr. Jim Turnbo
Executive Director
Golden Triangle Baptist Network