OpEd from Easton Christian Pastor on Essential Nature of Religious Freedom

I continue to be amazed by how many Christian pastors speak out about this injustice to Christ and salvation of souls - and comparison to the craven abandonment coming out of the Archdiocese of Boston and not a word from any other diocese in Massachusetts.

The Archdiocese of Boston said in a statement that it remains "committed to working with public officials on the timing and conditions of reopening churches for Masses."

"We hope and pray for the return of public celebrations when it will be safe to do so by way of new directives," the statement said.

Churches are Essential

I have been troubled by Governor Charlie Baker’s double standard when it comes to churches and their essential function in the community. Churches have been told to shutter and have been relegated to online services. In the meantime, liquor stores and a host of other businesses unnecessary to preserving life have been allowed to remain open. How a bottle of whiskey can be considered essential but a church is not is both unconscionable and indefensible.

To further the confusion, Governor Baker created a task force to help reopen our state. This group has dozens of leaders from a host of backgrounds, yet not one pastor or religious leader has a space at the table. How can common sense safety measures be created for churches when they have no way to make their voice heard?

The Constitution of our Commonwealth is clear that churches are essential. Part 1, article 2 of our state’s founding document states, “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 great Creator and Preserver of the universe. And no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping God in the manner and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession or sentiments; provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or obstruct others in their religious worship.”

You might think that the current outbreak of COVID-19 qualifies as a disturbance of the public peace, yet the state Constitution deftly addresses this issue as well. Amendment article 48 makes clear that a disturbance of the public peace and a public health emergency are two different issues, meaning that the government does not have the legal right to suspend religious services in a pandemic.

Additionally, part 2, article 3 of the state constitution reminds us that, ”... the happiness of a people, and the good order and preservation of civil government, essentially depend upon piety, religion and morality... these cannot be generally diffused through a community, but by the institution of the public worship of God, and of public instructions in piety, religion and morality.”