The Episcopal bishop of Long Island said Saturday churches will not reopen their doors the near future as the Covid-19 epidemic continues.
Churches in some states plan to reopen, some of them in defiance of state shutdown orders.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Wednesday that religious services with 10 or fewer people will be permitted again in New York State. But President Trump has been pushing for religious institutions to reopen, calling them essential.
Many churches have been conducting services online through Zoom or other technology while other religious leaders have taken to social media to lead prayer, instruction in matters of faith and more.
But Bishop Anthony Provenzano, head of the Long Island, Brook and Queens diocese, wrote Saturday that Episcopal churches will remain closed for now.
“Regardless of the misinformed and politically-motivated direction coming from the White House, the Church will continue to be the Church, caring for the safety of all people and protecting the health and well being of our parishioners.
“The Church will continue to be the Church and our buildings will remain closed until we can begin to safely gather in person,” he said.