The coronavirus pandemic has shut down small and large churches across the nation, including in Georgia, the heart of the Bible Belt. No state re-opening has been as controversial as Georgia’s.
Georgia churches are still allowed to have religious services but they must adhere to strict public health guidelines issued by the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and enforced by local officials.
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Those health guidelines make up a trinity of basic hygiene measures, including:
- Social distancing
- Wearing masks, face coverings, gloves and other PPE
- Limiting gatherings of 10 or more people
One of the dilemmas for Georgia pastors and other religious leaders is how to accommodate the elderly, who typically make up a large portion of the contributions flowing into a given church.
Some preachers have thought about using a ticketing system to reward those ones with in-person services, but when those numbers get close to 10, things become much more dangerous.
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Still, others have stopped tuning into church altogether or accused the state of banning religious services, which is a constitutional issue.
“In-person services were never banned,” Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted in response to criticism over church closings. “We have encouraged — and continue to encourage — online and remote services.”
He added: “In-person services should always practice social distancing and work to implement sanitation procedures to keep congregations safe.”
As far whether Georgia churches will be allowed to open this year, much depends on the virus. As Georgia’s numbers go up and down, state officials will likely keep gatherings tamped down.
That means church leaders will have to get creative. Many are doing teleconferencing services and other video systems, which are likely to continue.
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links: