This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/31/us/churches-return-coronavirus-protests.html

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Amid Riots and a Pandemic, Church Attendance Resumes in ‘a Very Broken World’ Amid Riots and a Pandemic, Church Attendance Resumes in ‘a Very Broken World’
(about 13 hours later)
SACRAMENTO — With their most vulnerable members at home, their community in the streets, and their nation wracked by a pandemic, riots and political polarization, Pastor Samuel Rodriguez’s congregation went to church here on Sunday, at times violating state health rules in the interest of unity.SACRAMENTO — With their most vulnerable members at home, their community in the streets, and their nation wracked by a pandemic, riots and political polarization, Pastor Samuel Rodriguez’s congregation went to church here on Sunday, at times violating state health rules in the interest of unity.
“Outside the confines of these walls we hear the sound of a very broken world,” preached Mr. Rodriguez, an evangelical minister. “Outside these corridors of worship we hear the sound of desperation. Throughout America today we hear the sounds of a nation torn apart by the devil of racism.”“Outside the confines of these walls we hear the sound of a very broken world,” preached Mr. Rodriguez, an evangelical minister. “Outside these corridors of worship we hear the sound of desperation. Throughout America today we hear the sounds of a nation torn apart by the devil of racism.”
In an auditorium in a part of town that had erupted over the weekend in response to the death of a black man in police custody in Minnesota, roughly 100 black, white and Hispanic members of the New Season church raised sanitized hands toward heaven. “Yes!” they shouted. “Amen!”In an auditorium in a part of town that had erupted over the weekend in response to the death of a black man in police custody in Minnesota, roughly 100 black, white and Hispanic members of the New Season church raised sanitized hands toward heaven. “Yes!” they shouted. “Amen!”
As nationwide protests against the police killing of George Floyd entered their sixth day, the terror of death by coronavirus intersected on Sunday with rage over a different disease — police killings of African-American people — settling, for many, the question over when to emerge from America’s long national quarantine.As nationwide protests against the police killing of George Floyd entered their sixth day, the terror of death by coronavirus intersected on Sunday with rage over a different disease — police killings of African-American people — settling, for many, the question over when to emerge from America’s long national quarantine.
In communities across the country, many congregations that had sequestered for months in fear of catching or spreading the lethal coronavirus ventured forth at a social distance in search of comfort.In communities across the country, many congregations that had sequestered for months in fear of catching or spreading the lethal coronavirus ventured forth at a social distance in search of comfort.
More than half of the states have continued to allow religious gatherings, but many churches, synagogues and mosques, for safety’s sake, have chosen for months to make do with Zoom sermons and livestreams. Many stuck to remote services on Sunday, but a significant number returned to public worship driven by a combination of pain, prayer and political expression.More than half of the states have continued to allow religious gatherings, but many churches, synagogues and mosques, for safety’s sake, have chosen for months to make do with Zoom sermons and livestreams. Many stuck to remote services on Sunday, but a significant number returned to public worship driven by a combination of pain, prayer and political expression.
In Pennsylvania, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia resumed public Mass, but with churches restricted to half-occupancy, and every other pew empty. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints resumed some in-person services in Alaska, Georgia, Louisiana, Illinois, Utah and a number of other locations, but chose not to reopen temples in Nevada, Hawaii, Washington and other states.In Pennsylvania, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia resumed public Mass, but with churches restricted to half-occupancy, and every other pew empty. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints resumed some in-person services in Alaska, Georgia, Louisiana, Illinois, Utah and a number of other locations, but chose not to reopen temples in Nevada, Hawaii, Washington and other states.
In California, at least a dozen evangelical churches made a coordinated return timed to Pentecost, a day of Christian jubilation that many regard as the church’s birthday. Some in that group were also seeking to pressure the state’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, into dropping a 100-person cap on church attendance and other rules enacted to curb the pandemic as the state’s coronavirus case count soared past 100,000, with 4,000 deaths. Several significant outbreaks started in churches.In California, at least a dozen evangelical churches made a coordinated return timed to Pentecost, a day of Christian jubilation that many regard as the church’s birthday. Some in that group were also seeking to pressure the state’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, into dropping a 100-person cap on church attendance and other rules enacted to curb the pandemic as the state’s coronavirus case count soared past 100,000, with 4,000 deaths. Several significant outbreaks started in churches.
The state’s right to restrict church attendance during the crisis was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court late Friday.The state’s right to restrict church attendance during the crisis was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court late Friday.
“Obviously we’re disappointed with the court’s ruling,” said Pastor Jim Domen, the founder of Church United, a group that had mobilized more than 1,500 pastors against California’s emergency restrictions. “But we report to a higher authority.”“Obviously we’re disappointed with the court’s ruling,” said Pastor Jim Domen, the founder of Church United, a group that had mobilized more than 1,500 pastors against California’s emergency restrictions. “But we report to a higher authority.”
In Fresno, 350 congregants registered to attend a socially distanced service at Cornerstone Church, whose pastor earlier in the week had compared Mr. Newsom to Soviet leaders who had propped up the Berlin Wall.In Fresno, 350 congregants registered to attend a socially distanced service at Cornerstone Church, whose pastor earlier in the week had compared Mr. Newsom to Soviet leaders who had propped up the Berlin Wall.
But at the Water of Life Community Church in Fontana, where some 320 people had reserved tickets for a return on Sunday, Pastor Dan Carroll said on a livestream that the church was reconsidering its plan, and had decided “to try to comply and pray that he changes his mind in the next two weeks,” referring to Mr. Newsom. The sanctuary did open, but only about 100 people per service were allowed to enter.But at the Water of Life Community Church in Fontana, where some 320 people had reserved tickets for a return on Sunday, Pastor Dan Carroll said on a livestream that the church was reconsidering its plan, and had decided “to try to comply and pray that he changes his mind in the next two weeks,” referring to Mr. Newsom. The sanctuary did open, but only about 100 people per service were allowed to enter.
In Sacramento, Mr. Rodriguez and his members sang mostly without masks, in violation of state directives, but turned away some worshipers, trying to keep the crowd under 100. His point, he said, was not to criticize the governor, but to stand with his church.In Sacramento, Mr. Rodriguez and his members sang mostly without masks, in violation of state directives, but turned away some worshipers, trying to keep the crowd under 100. His point, he said, was not to criticize the governor, but to stand with his church.
Robert H. Tyler, the lawyer representing the churches and pastors who signed the petition, cited growing rates of anxiety and depression, as well as the national unrest, as a justification for not complying with the Supreme Court decision.Robert H. Tyler, the lawyer representing the churches and pastors who signed the petition, cited growing rates of anxiety and depression, as well as the national unrest, as a justification for not complying with the Supreme Court decision.
“Let’s give an outlet for people to meet in churches as an alternative to shutting down freeways and burning down buildings,” the statement said.“Let’s give an outlet for people to meet in churches as an alternative to shutting down freeways and burning down buildings,” the statement said.
In Sacramento, still raw from the 2018 police killing of Stephon Clark, an unarmed young black man, the return to worship was set against multiple social flash points.In Sacramento, still raw from the 2018 police killing of Stephon Clark, an unarmed young black man, the return to worship was set against multiple social flash points.
Pastor Rodriguez said New Season had been planning to return from quarantine on Sunday for several weeks. His motives were not as political as those of some ministers, he said — he delivered one of the prayers at President Trump’s inauguration, but likes to say that his parishioners “worship the lamb, not the elephant or the donkey.”Pastor Rodriguez said New Season had been planning to return from quarantine on Sunday for several weeks. His motives were not as political as those of some ministers, he said — he delivered one of the prayers at President Trump’s inauguration, but likes to say that his parishioners “worship the lamb, not the elephant or the donkey.”
But he also disapproved of Mr. Newsom’s church guidelines, saying the cap on attendance was punitive for a 1,000-seat church like his. Also punitive, he said, was the state’s ban on church singing, a precaution against the airborne spread of the virus.But he also disapproved of Mr. Newsom’s church guidelines, saying the cap on attendance was punitive for a 1,000-seat church like his. Also punitive, he said, was the state’s ban on church singing, a precaution against the airborne spread of the virus.
Then came the national fury at Mr. Floyd’s death.Then came the national fury at Mr. Floyd’s death.
On the day before New Season’s service, nearly 1,000 demonstrators wielding Black Lives Matter signs converged on California’s state Capitol. As night fell, crowds swarmed the freeways and the Sacramento Kings’ glistening sports arena, defacing a landmark sculpture by the artist Jeff Koons and looting nearby department stores.On the day before New Season’s service, nearly 1,000 demonstrators wielding Black Lives Matter signs converged on California’s state Capitol. As night fell, crowds swarmed the freeways and the Sacramento Kings’ glistening sports arena, defacing a landmark sculpture by the artist Jeff Koons and looting nearby department stores.
The pain was especially sharp at New Season, where the congregation is 40 percent black, 40 percent white and 20 percent Hispanic. Patricia Littlejohn, a church volunteer, said she had sought to tune out the violence, but that it had evoked painful memories of Mr. Clark’s shooting. Coming on top of the pandemic, which cost her job at a health club, she said the unrest left her feeling isolated.The pain was especially sharp at New Season, where the congregation is 40 percent black, 40 percent white and 20 percent Hispanic. Patricia Littlejohn, a church volunteer, said she had sought to tune out the violence, but that it had evoked painful memories of Mr. Clark’s shooting. Coming on top of the pandemic, which cost her job at a health club, she said the unrest left her feeling isolated.
Gesturing to her fellow congregants, who were trying not to hug even as other volunteers entreated them to keep seven feet of space between them, Ms. Littlejohn smiled. “This,” she said, “means everything.”Gesturing to her fellow congregants, who were trying not to hug even as other volunteers entreated them to keep seven feet of space between them, Ms. Littlejohn smiled. “This,” she said, “means everything.”
In the front row, Mercedes Ray, a member of the church board, said the explosion of violence compelled churches to act. “What has happened out there is that people feel backed into a corner. They feel they’re not being heard and that nothing has been done.”In the front row, Mercedes Ray, a member of the church board, said the explosion of violence compelled churches to act. “What has happened out there is that people feel backed into a corner. They feel they’re not being heard and that nothing has been done.”
That concern echoed with particular force among African-American churchgoers, at the epicenter both of the fury over Mr. Floyd’s death and of the toll of the coronavirus. Out of caution, many African-American churches held services with pastors preaching to empty sanctuaries and virtual congregations — even on a day when they would have wanted to be together most.That concern echoed with particular force among African-American churchgoers, at the epicenter both of the fury over Mr. Floyd’s death and of the toll of the coronavirus. Out of caution, many African-American churches held services with pastors preaching to empty sanctuaries and virtual congregations — even on a day when they would have wanted to be together most.
“I think the church has to help make sure it is a wake-up call,” said the Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, the senior pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y., who kept his parish online Sunday.“I think the church has to help make sure it is a wake-up call,” said the Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, the senior pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y., who kept his parish online Sunday.
Updated May 28, 2020 Updated June 1, 2020
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
“The church has had to be a safety net for a society that has ignored the community,” he said. “It’s like you pull back the covers and saw all the years of inequity and, to some degree, racist disregard for African-Americans and people of color.”“The church has had to be a safety net for a society that has ignored the community,” he said. “It’s like you pull back the covers and saw all the years of inequity and, to some degree, racist disregard for African-Americans and people of color.”
Among California’s evangelical establishment, not everyone was ready to risk returning.Among California’s evangelical establishment, not everyone was ready to risk returning.
The Rev. Rick Warren, whose Orange County-based Saddleback Church serves some 30,000 members at 20 locations, told congregants in an emailed video message this week that “Saddleback is going to be patient and wait for better conditions before resuming our large public gatherings.”The Rev. Rick Warren, whose Orange County-based Saddleback Church serves some 30,000 members at 20 locations, told congregants in an emailed video message this week that “Saddleback is going to be patient and wait for better conditions before resuming our large public gatherings.”
On this Sunday, however, even the online prayers resonated.On this Sunday, however, even the online prayers resonated.
“What a shame it would be,” the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II of the North Carolina-based civil rights group Repairers of the Breach said in his streamed sermon, “if this nation could watch a policeman murder another human being and then pose like a hunter with his prey while his colleagues looked on — and there not be protests, there not be anger, there not be tears, there not be a diversity of people willing to say this is not right.”“What a shame it would be,” the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II of the North Carolina-based civil rights group Repairers of the Breach said in his streamed sermon, “if this nation could watch a policeman murder another human being and then pose like a hunter with his prey while his colleagues looked on — and there not be protests, there not be anger, there not be tears, there not be a diversity of people willing to say this is not right.”
“Hear me, America,” Dr. Barber added. “The lethal violence of these racist officers and others is only one manifestation of the systemic racism that is choking the life out of the American democracy.”“Hear me, America,” Dr. Barber added. “The lethal violence of these racist officers and others is only one manifestation of the systemic racism that is choking the life out of the American democracy.”
For many, what Americans do next matters much more than their ability to sit together in person in full church pews.For many, what Americans do next matters much more than their ability to sit together in person in full church pews.
“I’ve talked with lots of black friends and pastors who are altering between rage and tears all the time,” said the Rev. Dr. Terri Hord Owens, who leads the Christian Church, also known as the Disciples of Christ, which has some 3,000 congregations in the United States.“I’ve talked with lots of black friends and pastors who are altering between rage and tears all the time,” said the Rev. Dr. Terri Hord Owens, who leads the Christian Church, also known as the Disciples of Christ, which has some 3,000 congregations in the United States.
“The exhaustion that you feel as a black person in the United States is overwhelming and continues,” she said. “No matter what we say, no matter what we even do, this stuff keeps happening.”“The exhaustion that you feel as a black person in the United States is overwhelming and continues,” she said. “No matter what we say, no matter what we even do, this stuff keeps happening.”
Dr. Owens is the first African-American (and second woman) to lead a denomination whose membership is about 80 percent white. She said her mission now, as black churches mobilize, was to make sure that white churches joined them.Dr. Owens is the first African-American (and second woman) to lead a denomination whose membership is about 80 percent white. She said her mission now, as black churches mobilize, was to make sure that white churches joined them.
Her church, like other mainline Protestant denominations, has taken progressive stances on social justice causes. But she said their efforts had to venture beyond academic discussions about racial inequality and institutional change.Her church, like other mainline Protestant denominations, has taken progressive stances on social justice causes. But she said their efforts had to venture beyond academic discussions about racial inequality and institutional change.
“The white church in America is going to have to get serious,” Dr. Owens said. “We’re good at gathering and mourning, but we’ve got to turn to action now, and black folks can’t do it alone.”“The white church in America is going to have to get serious,” Dr. Owens said. “We’re good at gathering and mourning, but we’ve got to turn to action now, and black folks can’t do it alone.”
Shawn Hubler reported from Sacramento and Rick Rojas from Atlanta. Rebecca Halleck contributed reporting from New York.Shawn Hubler reported from Sacramento and Rick Rojas from Atlanta. Rebecca Halleck contributed reporting from New York.