Friend,

I hope you and your loved ones are well and finding coping mechanisms and virtual connections to continue to get you through this uncertain time. Amidst the chaos, it heartens me to see many governors rising to the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic by temporarily halting large public gatherings, including in-person religious services. And every day, I’m reading about more faith denominations and religious leaders who are putting public health first and finding creative ways of meeting virtually and equipping their congregants with new – and safe – spiritual practices.

Unfortunately, however, some governors, like in Michigan and Kansas, have issued bans on gatherings that grant exemptions to places of religious worship, jeopardizing the health and well-being of entire communities.

We must follow the lead of health experts and apply these temporary bans to secular and religious gatherings equally. The Constitution not only permits it, but demands it.

That’s why AU sent letters to the governors of Michigan and Kansas urging them to revoke this unconstitutional exemption. Click here to read our letters: [link removed]

During times like this, I know how important it is for people of faith to find solace in attending religious services. But as the foremost public health experts have warned, houses of worship are just as likely as other places where people gather in large groups to spread COVID-19.

To successfully “flatten the curve,” we must take the necessary steps to curb community transmission of the virus – and do so while respecting the Constitution. Imposing the same rules on religious and secular organizations alike does not violate religious freedom. In fact, it ensures religious freedom is not misused in ways that risk people’s lives.

To learn more, please click here to read AU’s letters urging the governors of Michigan and Kansas to revoke this exemption for houses of worship:
[link removed]

We ask that other governors take note when issuing their own executive orders and respect the separation of religion and government in their responses to COVID-19. If they do not, Americans United will be there to hold them accountable.

Thanks for taking the time to read this update, friend.

With hope and determination,

Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO

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Americans United for Separation of Church and State
All rights reserved.
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