Replies

Sometimes churches have become their own worse enemy, imposing regulations that exceed those of the vaunted “local authorities”.

Here is a redacted email I recently received about an event in a Pennsylvania church:

“There is no life without risk; the question is how to responsibly manage the risks that we identify. In the currently contentious situation, let us be kind to one another, whatever level of risk one feels is present in the nation these days. Since we come from so many directions and have so many different observations and opinions, we will use precautions so that we can be together. It is the policy of ****** Church to allow 50% of the seating capacity of any room to be used at this time. Our gathering will not be anywhere near that maximum. There is a balcony in the nave, if any one wishes to be seated at a greater distance from others during worship. We are required by the congregation to wear a face mask covering your nose and mouth at all times in the building (unless one is subject to a medical condition that does not allow wearing a mask). Of course, masks may be removed when eating and drinking in the Social Hall. Please follow all sanitizing instructions on the doors of the restrooms should you need to use those facilities.”

Thanks, but no thanks!