The letter signed by the pastors stated that the United States Constitution, as well as the New Jersey Constitution, guarantees their right to freely practice their religion.
President Donald Trump echoed the sentiments in the letter at a press conference Friday when he stated that houses of worship should be deemed essential, citing that"liquor stores and abortion clinics" have been named essential by some governors during the pandemic.
"Today I am identifying houses of worship – churches, synagogues, and mosques – as essential places that provide essential services. Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential, but have left out churches and other houses of worship. That's not right, so I'm correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential," Trump said.in an email Saturday that Trump and Murphy had a"productive discussion" Friday regarding religious gatherings. "On Friday, President Trump and Governor Murphy had a productive discussion on the need to continue to move forward intelligently regarding religious services as New Jersey continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Governor's orders will remain in effect, this matter continues to be under serious consideration as New Jersey moves toward Phase 2," the press secretary said. Churches in New Jersey are currently allowed to gather in groups of 10 or under when indoors, and in groups of up to 25 in outdoor services, provided social distancing guidelines are followed. ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - MAY 07: A man wearing a mask walks past a shuttered church during the coronavirus pandemic on May 7, 2020 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Maryland pastor resumes in-person services amid coronavirus pandemic, says 'we're going to do it God's way'The pastor wrote in a statement prior to reopening that 'church is essential,' and has reopened with protocols in place.
Read more »
Florida reverses course on COVID-19 medical examiner data, making information publicWhy the state suddenly changed its position on releasing data is not clear. But officials have faced scrutiny over data as the state reopens.
Read more »
Trump deems churches 'essential,' calls for them to reopenWASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that he has deemed churches and other houses of worship “essential' and called on governors across the country to allow them to reopen this...
Read more »
NJ restaurant owner: Just because businesses can reopen does not mean they will survive'You need to be open enough, especially for businesses that are ready to do volume, to make it worth it,' said Chris Clayton.
Read more »
What Happened Today: Trump Wants Churches To Reopen Immediately, Testing QuestionsDr. Abraar Karan, an internal medicine physician and clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School, answers listener questions about the latest in the coronavirus testing.
Read more »
President Trump Sides With Churches Asserting A Right To ReopenPresident Trump's remarks that governors should allow 'these very important, essential places of faith to open right now' came as some church leaders were mobilizing to reopen in defiance of restrictions.
Read more »