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NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — Despite the guaranteed freedom of religion, city and state governments across the nation are still showing hostility towards people of faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently local clergy across the Buckeye Bible Belt gave their approval of President Donald Trump’s recent declaration incorporated with new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Last month President Trump identified houses of worship including churches and synogogues as places that provide essential services.
The President stated, “Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion centers as essential but have left out churches and other houses of worship; but that’s not right. So I am correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential. I call upon governors to allow churches and houses of worship to open up right now. These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united. In America we need more prayer, not less.”
Just one day prior to the President’s declaration, Pastor J.C. Church of Victory in Truth Ministries was with the President on a group conference call.
According to the Bucyrus Pastor, “The President has made it loud and clear that religious freedom is a priority in his Administration. He understands how vital the Church is to society. In Ohio, Governor DeWine has gone to the church to combat the Opioid crisis, the mental health crisis, and the poverty crisis. When there is disaster, churches are there to pick up the pieces.”
Pastor Steve Schag of Shelby Calvary Baptist adds, “With all the talk of the preservation of the health and well-being of individuals, how can we not speak to the preservation of the spiritual health and well-being of our nation? The President is correct. The “free-exercise” of our religion should not be throttled by governmental authorities which Romans Chapter 13 says are themselves “ordained of GOD.”
“Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion centers as essential but have left out churches and other houses of worship; but that’s not right. So I am correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential. I call upon governors to allow churches and houses of worship to open up right now. These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united. In America we need more prayer, not less.”
President Donald Trump
Pastor John Bouquet of Savannah Bethel Baptist outside Ashland agrees with both clergy.
“To promote the well-being of body, soul, and mind, it is essential for churches to publicly congregate in person. The point could be made that as it is essential for the human soul that people worship, it is essential for the community that congregations provide ministry.
“Church and congregational worship have always been essential. The sad reality is that some in government cannot not see that. Therefore they choose to restrict the very people that provide some of the greatest resources for community stability.”
Rabbi William Halbrook of Sar Shalom Center in Ontario comments “I think Governor DeWine knew he could not constitutionally shut down the churches, but he strongly suggested that we not meet. Hebrews 10:25 talks about “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.”
“But the passage also goes on to say ‘exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.’ I believe these days are the last days of the Messiah’s return. As a faith leader, I appreciate the President’s strong statement, but there may come a time when people of faith may have to choose between obeying man or obeying GOD.”
Reverend El Akuchie summarizes the local clergy’s approval of the Trump declaration.
“I can’t think of a President who has done more for religious freedom in this country than Donald Trump. GOD really broke the mold when He created Mr. Trump. I am not sure any human being saw this coming after the 2016 elections,” said the pastor of Godsfield House of Prayer.
“We should expect the unexpected when it comes to GOD’s purposes and plans.”
View the Fox News video below of President Trump’s declaration on houses of worship.
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