Over 260 pastors from across the state sent a letter Friday to Gov. Charlie Baker and the co-chairs of his Reopening Advisory Board requesting churches be “swiftly and publicly” recognized as essential and they be included in the first phase of the reopening May 18.
The pastors’ letter explained that upon reopening, they are fully prepared to exercise care and precaution to protect the health of their members and the broader community by following the guidelines for social distancing recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
Faith leaders said they have been disappointed that while marijuana dispensaries, liquor stores and abortion clinics were deemed essential, churches were not. “Your order of March 23 would forbid us from gathering together to worship God, but the word of God commands us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. We have done our best to temporarily adapt to extraordinary circumstances, but this must not continue,” the letter states.
Reminding Baker that both the state and federal Constitutions prominently enshrine the free exercise of religion and the freedom of assembly, the pastors pointed out that the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed their position just last week, acknowledging, “For many people of faith, exercising religion is essential, especially during a crisis.
“The free exercise of religion and the freedom of assembly are prominently enshrined in the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the words of the Massachusetts Constitution still declare that ‘It is the right as well as the duty of all men in society, publicly and at stated seasons, to worship the Supreme Being,’” the letter states.
Pastors also expressed disappointment in their letter that despite there being 8,000 churches in the state and millions who worship in and are served by them, that they have no representation on the Reopening Advisory Board. They hope that their letter will add their voices to the advisory board.