HOUSES OF WORSHIP STILL WARY

The United States Supreme Court issued a ruling that affects California’s current ban on indoor services at houses of worship across the state, according to KCRA 3 News

In a ruling Friday, the high court said California is not allowed to place an outright ban on indoor worship services, even for 54 of California’s 58 counties — currently within the Widespread/Purple Tier coronavirus risk category.

Justices did give the state authority to cap those services at 25% of a building's capacity and stopped short of telling the state it needs to drop a ban on singing and chanting at indoor services.

On behalf of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, press secretary Daniel Lopez reacted to the ruling with the following statement:

"The State of California has taken necessary steps throughout the pandemic to protect Californians from COVID-19 and prevent our health care system from being overwhelmed by the disease, particularly during the recent surge. While the Supreme Court enjoined the state's restriction on indoor worship services in counties where COVID-19 is widespread, the court left in place public health measures imposed to protect worshippers, their families, and the communities in which they live. We will continue to enforce the restrictions the Supreme Court left in place and, after reviewing the decision, we will issue revised guidelines for worship services to continue to protect the lives of Californians."

KCRA 3 spoke with some religious leaders from the greater Sacramento area for reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling.

“I was grateful for the understanding that the Supreme Court had when it came to religious rights but still wanting to be cautious,” said Pastor Brandon Fisher of Kyles Temple AME Zion Church. “There's so much uncertainty and still so many unknowns.”

“I do understand that we are craving to be together and lift spirit and song, but this is just not the time,” said Rabbi Nancy Wechsler of Congregation Beth Shalom. “We are not out of the woods.”

“I thought, it's good to give congregations and churches the decision on their own,” said Stuart Ito, a Buddhist Church of Sacramento board of trustees member. “Every temple has different circumstances surrounding the makeup of their congregation.”

The Buddhist Church of Sacramento, described by Ito as a bustling place in non-pandemic times, will continue with online services only for the time being — even in light of the Supreme Court ruling.

“We have a primarily older congregation. And so we’re still staying closed even though we’re able to open,” said Ito. “For us, it's just not the right time yet.”

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