Virginia Executive Order 53 Leaving Church Leaders With Tough Decisions

The state of Emergency in Virginia is creating some confusion for churches concerning the ability to gather or meet. Executive Order 53 went into effect this week and prohibits all public and private in person gatherings of ten or more individuals. The order does not specifically mention churches and many church leaders are making tough decisions on whether to meet or not. In a letter of guidance from the Abingdon Police Department, church leaders are being urged to be innovative. With some churches moving services to online, or having multiple worship services of ten people or less. The letter ends by asking church leaders to use the talents and imagination of its members to accommodate worship while still complying with executive order 53.