More than 30 state leaders have declared public emergencies and have taken steps to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, including recommended bans or orders to limit large public assemblies (defined by some states as 100 or more and by others as 250 or more).

Though the church leaders I know are doing everything they can to fully comply with these recommendations and orders, several have raised the question of the constitutionality of such orders and the precedent they may be setting by complying with these mandates without comment. To be clear, these pastors are not encouraging their church or other churches to ignore these recommendations and orders. Rather, they are simply concerned about the precedent this may set.

Here are a few brief thoughts on this issue from a Biblical, constitutional and practical perspective:

A Biblical Perspective

One of the state’s Biblical roles is to maintain basic civic order (1 Kings 3:28; Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Tim 2:1-6; 1 Peter 2:13-16). And, I would argue that making public safety decisions is within that domain. Therefore, church leaders should pray that local, state and national leaders have wisdom, foresight and courage as they exercise their Biblical role during these turbulent times.

A Constitutional Perspective

As a constitutional attorney, I have serious concerns with a government order (rather than a suggestion) that churches cancel their services, especially if not uniformly applied to other public assemblies. According to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging…the right of the people peaceably to assemble…” That said, state governments could argue that they have a compelling interest (maintaining public health) and that they are acting in a narrowly tailored manner (closing all large assemblies for a temporary period of time) to achieve that interest. Historically, churches have complied with suggested cancelations (see this helpful article on how churches responded to requested cancelations in the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic). If mandatory cancelations continue long-term or are made in a way that specifically target religious assembly, then perhaps the issue should be raised. But, for now and for the foreseeable future, it is wise to work in partnership with public officials.

A Practical Perspective

This week, I encouraged churches to follow the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and of their local health officials. If you have not done so already, I encourage you to connect with your local health department and to coordinate your response with other churches, schools and community organizations. This is a critical time to work together with your local and state officials and to provide a sense of hope, calm and certainty in Christ. Further, some and perhaps even severe economic disruption is coming our way, and we should endeavor to be the hands and feet of Jesus during these times.

I find it sobering that our advanced society has been disrupted by a microscopic organism that was aided by the very technology (such as air travel) that we prize and rely on. And, I’ll admit it. I’m concerned about the days ahead–for my family, my church, my state and my nation. This morning, I turned to Psalm 91, which I have been sharing with elected officials this week. Verse 2 reads: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” And, the Psalmist continues with a reminder that God will deliver us from “the noisome pestilence” and that we should not fear the terror of night, the arrow that flies by day, the pestilence that walks in darkness or the destruction that comes at noon (Psalm 91:3-6). All of this reminds me of this great quote by George Whitefield,who helped lead the First Great Awakening, “We are immortal until our work on earth is done.” May we act with courage and faith in the days ahead.

Praying for you, your church and your community as you lead in this crisis.