With Coronavirus Infections Linked to Religious Gatherings, Debate Rages Over Worship Amid Pandemic

Abstract

This article focuses on freedom of religion and the controversy surrounding many state governors requiring places of worship to close due to COVID-19. Mat Staver of the conservative advocacy group Liberty Counsel is featured in the article and gives his perspective on Vice President Mike Pence’s recommendations in addition to the stay-at-home orders from different states and their restrictions placed on houses of worship. The article gives examples of law enforcement who have had to arrest religious leaders for not complying with state policies, in addition to having to shut down funeral services around the United States