Washington’s Democrat Gov. Jay Inslee Bans Singing in Church
Democrat Governor Jay Inslee has continued his unholy quest to trample on the rights of citizens, the church, and the state by passing a new edict prohibiting singing in church, in an effort that he says will prevent the rise and spread of the novel coronavirus, saying on Sunday:
This spike puts us in a more dangerous a position as we were in March [sic]. And it means, unfortunately, the time has come to reinstate restrictions on activities statewide to preserve the public’s well-being, and to save lives. These were very difficult decisions that have very real consequences to people’s livelihoods. I recognize that and don’t take those impacts lightly, but we must act now and act quickly to slow the spread of this disease.
The ban, which will last a month, had the usual restrictions on limiting social gatherings, banning indoor sporting events, closings gyms, bars, and restaurants, implementing stricter occupancy restrictions for businesses, restricting funerals and weddings, etc.
But apart from those restrictions, he also targeted places of worship and the free exercise thereof, putting hard limits on how many people can attend church, who can and can’t sing, and who can and can’t play instruments.
Religious Services are limited to 25 percent of indoor occupancy limits, or no more than 200 people, whichever is fewer. Congregation members/attendees must wear facial coverings at all times and congregation singing is prohibited. No choir, band, or ensemble shall perform during the service. Vocal or instrumental soloists are permitted to perform, and vocal soloists may have a single accompanist. Outdoor services must follow the Outdoor Dining Guidance.
Apart from those restrictions, there are also rules on social distancing, sanitation, and mask-wearing, with no congregation member or allowed to take their mask off at any point throughout the service or while in the church building, under threat of fines or jail time.
With the season changing and outdoor church becoming more and more difficult for those congregations who were bypassing some of the more tyrannical impositions, expect more and more governors to implement similar restrictions.
It’s going to be a long winter.
About Author
Colossians 3:16 (KJV)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Well, it would seem God has a different view of singing together. May the churches under these governors react in love, finding a way to honor the government without violating God’s commands.
It’S jUsT a MaSk…….. ALL of this lockdown tyranny is a direct attack on the church.
Since 18 members of my church’s choir in the Seattle area came down with covid in march including hospitalizations, a death and a few with long term difficulties, this is not a bad requirement if it saves lives.