“It is fortunate that the restrictions Gov. Lamont’s Executive Order outlines for Connecticut’s houses of worship are simply recommendations rather than regulations. Otherwise, they would constitute absolutely impermissible burdens on every Connecticut citizen’s First Amendment rights to free speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion – our First Freedom. What’s more, even as our state’s businesses are permitted to operate at 50 percent capacity with well over 100 people in grocery and hardware stores, the governor would restrict even mega-churches to 100 people or less, with further restrictions on how American citizens may express their faith within those churches – presuming to regulate even the practice of Christian communion! Like the state’s restrictions on Connecticut’s businesses, these prohibitions been handed down accompanied by minimal scientific data, and in the complete absence of transparency. The disparate treatment of various businesses and individuals – and now houses of worship – is appalling and unbecoming those who would lead a free people. Gov. Lamont has been granted a level of tolerance for his restrictions by the people of Connecticut, as we all have been committed to preserving life and flattening the curve of COVID-19 infections. Now, however, the governor is taking his restrictions too far – seeking to chill the exercise of sacred rights for which Americans have paid in blood, and treating big, corporate businesses better than houses of worship and people of faith.”
Statement attributable to Carol Platt Liebau, President of Yankee Institute
William Malone
June 3, 2020 @ 12:51 pm
It may turn out that Ms. Limbaugh is right about where the correct point to set the balance between safety and freedom to gather lies. But there is still a lot to be learned about COVID-19. Now it seems it may be a disease of
the blood vessels rather than a simple pulmonary disease — or maybe something of both or neither. It’s still early, and we should proceed cautiously. What does seem to be coming clear is that something on the order of 80 percent of all person-to-person transmissions take place in superspreader environments. So, until we get better information it would be prudent to avoid those. Unfortunately, indoor hymn-singing is just one of those things that cannot yet
be done safely. In fact to ignore practical experience is reckless and ultimately will do great damage to our people.
When you stop to think about it, it’s downright unChristian.
Thomas Scelfo
June 4, 2020 @ 1:04 am
The simple solution for churches is to hold services and call them “protests” in support of George Floyd. Apparently, Lamont is OK with having hundreds or even thousands of people gather provided they are “protesting.” Although social distancing can easily be accomplished inside most churches, as long as you call it a “protest” Lamont apparently has no requirement for social distancing or even wearing masks, based on the many photos that have been shared on social media.