Some Minnesota Churches Plan to Resume Worship, Defying Governor’s Order

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Catholic Conference and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod say they plan to hold services next week despite a ban on in-person worship of more than 10 people.

The two denominations sent Gov. Tim Walz separate letters this week to tell him they plan to open their doors to worship Tuesday, May 26.

Some politicians and business leaders say Walz has not done enough to get the state back on track amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Walz on Wednesday permitted restaurants and bars to reopen June 1 for outdoor dining with social distancing and other safeguards, while salons can resume cutting hair at partial capacity. It drew sharp criticism from those who had hoped for faster steps to help struggling businesses.

The churches said their reopening plans come after “weeks of dialogue” with the governor and that they will resume services at 33% capacity next Tuesday with Pentecost on the following Sunday, the Star Tribune reported.

The churches say they will require social distancing and practice hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Twin Cities Archbishop Bernard Hebda said in a statement that “faith has always been a source of comfort and strength and now more than ever it is of the utmost importance that we are able to meet the spiritual needs of our community.”