No Sanctuary

Bishop Marc Andrus

Episcopal Bishop Marc Andrus has suspended church services during the month of March:

I prayerfully ask all churches in the Diocese of California to cancel ALL public worship services for the month of March, with the possible exception of weddings and funerals. This decision will be revisited by March 31, at which time I will communicate our next steps.

Canceling services is a prudent move by Bishop Andrus. The largest demographic cohort in many congregations is those over 60, who are highly vulnerable to the coronavirus.

Note: last Sunday we looked askance at CDC adviser William Schaffner, who advised worshippers not to go to church ("Don't go. Be reverent at home"). The fact that Bishop Andrus and other leaders have come to agree with him shows the plight we're in.

Note 2: Bishop Andrus and other church leaders have criticized President Trump for trying to close the southern border, calling the action "xenophobic" and worse. For the sake of argument let's take President Trump's word that he was trying to protect American citizens and those who are legally here. Now that the Bishop has closed the churches for the protection of church members, how is his motivation and action different from the President's?