Churches Should ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ and Obey Gov’t Orders to Close, Christian Leaders Say

Do churches have an obligation to stop meeting in-person if ordered to do so by the government? 

One month ago, such a question would have been unthinkable in the United States. But in the wake of the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic, pastors and church leaders are increasingly answering “yes” – motivated by a love of neighbor and a desire to “submit to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1).   

The CDC issued guidelines this week recommending that “mass gatherings” of 50 or more people be canceled or postponed for eight weeks. President Trump went a step further Monday, urging Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 people for 15 days, saying it is essential to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Meanwhile, local governing authorities, including governors, have banned large gatherings in some locations.

Many churches have transitioned to online services. 

COVID-19 is at least 10 times deadlier than the flu. For the elderly, the death rate is between 10 and 20 percent, according to data from around the world. There is no vaccine. 

R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said Christians “are driven” by Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:36-40.

“Jesus … argued that all the law and prophets hung on these two commandments – love God and love your neighbor,” Mohler wrote on his website. “……