Georgia faith leaders are urging congregations to remain closed, despite the fact that Governor Brian Kemp announced last week that churches could resume in-person services today.

Many churches have been conducting online worship services across the state, and the governor did say that is still the best option.  While most religious leaders have been cautiously following state mandated guidelines over the past few weeks, some have expressed concerns about religious liberty being infringed by government directives.  Other church leaders are critical of the governor for allowing churches to reopen at this time.

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, issued a directive to more than 520 churches Tuesday prohibiting gatherings for services on Sunday. “This decision by the governor puts economic interest above the safety and well-being of the citizens of Georgia. There is no data which justifies or gives credibility to the governor’s decision,” Jackson said in a statement. “This is unacceptable, and citizens should not be put at this risk.”

The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church said in a statement Monday that it was advising churches not to gather through May 13, “as we do our best to do no harm.”  United Methodists in Chattooga County have announced plans to follow the bishop’s directive.

Episcopal and Catholic Bishops have also ordered churches to remain closed today through the middle of May.

Muslim leaders issued a directive last week instructing mosques across the state to remain closed on Fridays and most Jewish congregations remained closed yesterday.

The Georgia Baptist Convention says that all decisions about church meetings are left to local congregations, but is advising any churches that do decide to hold in-person services to abide by strict social-distancing guidelines.

Locally, most Chattooga County churches will remain closed today with many offering online church services.