At a White House press conference this morning, President Donald Trump officially designated churches as “essential places that provide essential services.” Trump’s remarks today came just days after the U.S. Department of Justice sent a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom rebuking him for his discriminatory policies toward the state’s churches.
“No matter your political party, we should all be able to agree: churches are essential,” said Jonathan Keller, President of California Family Council.
“Religious worship is an absolutely vital part of American life,” Keller continued. “Governor Newsom is allowing movie studios, schools, and restaurants to open while following social guidelines. He must not illegally discriminate against people of faith.”
Shortly after Trump’s statement, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a new document titled “Interim Guidance for Communities of Faith” with detailed recommendations for religious believers and institutions.
“Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential but have left out churches and houses of worship. It is not right,” Trump said. “I’m correcting this injustice and calling house of worship essential.”
