What Churches Should Do When Civil Authorities Restrict Their Assemblies

Abstract

Religious groups endured great angst during the COVID-19 pandemic due to, among other things, temporary restrictions and prohibitions on group assemblies. Responses by Christians in the United States, in particular, varied from acquiescence to innovation to non-compliance. Religious groups should carefully consider the theological and practical merits of these approaches so they can respond in ways that are reasonable and consistent with their faith should circumstances lead to future curtailments of their freedoms to assemble for public worship. In most cases, reasonable expectations and legal recourse will resolve concerns. Outright defiance of government restrictions on assemblies during crises is rarely necessary and appropriate.