Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new stay-at-home order includes guidance for churches absent from the original order he signed in March.
Engaging in the free exercise of religion is now listed as an essential activity in which Illinoisans can participate, provided they maintain social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings. CDC guidelines limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people, the order notes, adding, “Religious organizations and houses of worship are encouraged to use online or drive-in services to protect the health and safety of their congregants.”
Illinois officials previously had discouraged drive-in worship services, while some churches across the country successfully filed suit to protect their right to hold them. Pritzker was asked at a May 1 press briefing about his turnaround on the practice.
“I’m listening to the science as it’s evolved,” the governor said, and “doing the best we can to make decisions as the science dictates.” Pritzker called on faith leaders and their parishioners to follow guidance suggested by science and data. “We want people to be able to worship,” he said. “We want people to do it safely.”
Pritzker implied that groups of 10 or less could gather for religious assembly under the original order, but said the new measure makes it more explicit. The governor’s previous stay-at-home order did not list religious assembly as an essential activity, the Chicago Tribune noted. On April 30, a church in northwestern Illinois sued the governor for actions they say demonstrate “illegal and discriminatory hostility to religious practice, churches, and people of faith.” Chicago law firm Thomas More Society filed the suit on behalf of Beloved Church in Lena.