Cuomo says Church Buildings can reopen

5/21/2020

I received a message from a local Baptist church that wants reopen their doors now that Governor Cuomo is permitting it. I did the research I found this article by NY Times:

Religious gatherings of up to 10 people can resume in New York State on Thursday if attendees wear masks and maintain social distance, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Wednesday.
“I understand their desire to get back to religious ceremonies as soon as possible,” Mr. Cuomo said of faith leaders.
He added: “I think that even at this time of stress and when people are so anxious and so confused, I think those religious ceremonies can be very comforting. But we need to find out how to do it, and do it safely and do it smartly.”
The announcement was particularly significant for Jewish congregations, where a minyan, defined as 10 people over the age of 13, is required for a worship service

If you would like to read the whole article: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/21/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc.html

Or you can watch it on NBC (time stamp: minute 11:00 - 12:44):

What does this mean for our churches?
I am currently seeking counsel from our conference, when there is an official statement I will let you know more in the comment section:

6 Comments

Wayne Jamel

5/21/2020 04:11:37 pm

So far the conference is not recommending opening up just yet. I mentioned the idea of a small group (10 people or less) meeting in a park practicing social distancing with masks. I was told that is a good idea. So if there are any Sabbath School groups that would like to do that, they are free to do so.

5/21/2020 04:14:10 pm

If you plan to meet on Saturday, for the sake of Unity, make plans that people have enough time to get home by 11:15am so they can watch the Sermon Stream.

5/21/2020 07:05:42 pm

I just received a letter from the conference. Every church must have a board meeting to decide on how to proceed. I will be emailing a letter to the board member for them to familiarize themselves with the parameters of opening. When each of my churches make a decision I will inform the members of the churches. This coming Sabbath will be online, what takes place after that depends upon the board. On Tuesday the pastors will be having a meeting so that we can get more information on possible plans.

Manny P

5/22/2020 06:42:13 pm

Does the Conference have a representative at the interfaith advisory counsel mentioned by Gov Cuomo?

5/23/2020 12:35:06 pm

I know that the President from North Eastern Conference is in it. As for Greater New York, I will ask.

5/26/2020 04:11:18 pm

This Sabbath virtual programing will continue. The board meeting this week may effect June, but there will still be online options regardless of what the church boards decide.

Cuomo says Church Buildings can reopen

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