We do NOT respect them at all costs. We are to disobey in many circumstances.
Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.
Worship is God’s. Not Caesar’s.
Bible says obey the Authorities.
Who/what is that?
The Constitution, and the Law.
Not just some power-mad mayor.
And, ponder this . . .
When Caesar was seeking Christians to kill, did they gather in groups to be fodder?
Or did they hide out in the catacombs?
Maybe staying home is like that.