Guidance for Illinois church gathering provided by public health

Gov. JB Pritzker has added “exercise of religion” to essential activities under the Illinois stay-at-home order.

The update came Thursday after a suit filed by the Thomas More Society on behalf of Pastor Steve Cassell of Most Beloved Church in Lena, in Stephenson County.

The church lawsuit argues that the order infringes on rights guaranteed by both the Illinois and U.S. Constitutions – specifically the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to assemble and the guarantee of due process of law.

The Most Beloved Church said it plans to hold services Sunday.

Pritizker’s addition to the executive order comes with the same social distancing guidelines as his executive order, though.

“To engage in the free exercise of religion, provided that such exercise must comply with Social Distancing Requirements (six feet apart) and the limit on gatherings of no more than ten people in keeping with CDC guidelines for the protection of public health. Religious organizations and houses of worship are encouraged to use online or drive-in services to protect the health and safety of their congregants. 

“Public Health recommends use of online services as it is the safest option. Drive-in services can be done safely using the guidelines below.”

Individuals over the age of two, who are able to, are also required to wear face coverings when in public or at work.

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District also encourages religious organizations to continue to plan for service via phone or video conferencing.

Should a congregation decide to meet, buildings must remain locked. Restrooms are not to be open to the public.  

Services must take place with attendees in their cars, with a safe distance left between cars.

Attendees in each vehicle must be from the same cohort or family with vulnerable populations, and those over the age of 65 and those with underlying health conditions who are most vulnerable to complications associated with COVID-19 should stay home. 

Staff performing the service is to remain six feet apart, and the service can be transmitted over FM radio so attendees can listen with their windows rolled up. 

Donations need to be collected online and communion must be pre-packaged. 

CUPHD suggests that church leaders email the information on how to listen to the service and social distancing guidelines to congregates prior to hosting a service.