Skip to content

What Happened to the First Amendment During COVID-19?

The First Amendment protects our freedom to peacefully practice the religion we choose. But when COVID-19 hit the United States and lockdowns began, some government officials seemed to forget this.
Caroline Reeves
Published
Revised
Churches closed during COVID-19 shutdowns

You could say that America wouldn’t be America without the free exercise of religion, and you would be right. 

Week in and week out, religious believers gather for worship and fellowship, while carrying out the daily activities of showing love to others by meeting their needs—especially in times of distress. 

Thankfully, the First Amendment protects this essential freedom to peacefully practice the religion we choose. 

But when COVID-19 hit the United States and lockdowns began, some government officials seemed to forget this. 

On March 13, President Trump declared the coronavirus outbreak a national emergency, and each of the 50 states subsequently went about mitigating the spread of the virus through various quarantine measures. 

Restaurants, shops, schools, and churches did their part to comply with the health guidelines. Churches found new ways to gather for worship, whether it was through streaming online services and prayer meetings, or observing ordinances and sacraments while socially distanced.

But some government officials imposed far stricter restrictions on places of worship than they did on restaurants, malls, gyms, bars, and even casinos, using one standard for secular institutions and another for religious ones. 

What happened in Kansas, Mississippi, and Nevada are perfect examples. Watch below to learn more.

 

Throughout our country’s history, people have turned to the Church for refuge in times of distress. 

After Pearl Harbor and during various financial crises, U.S. citizens needed care and fellowship, something churches offer in a unique way. Just think about the Sunday following the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Churches across the country were filled with people, many of whom were visiting for the first time. 

Our nation now finds itself facing challenges unique to a pandemic. Our neighbors are dealing with loneliness and anxiety over health, personal finances, and job security—all at the same time. Many are struggling emotionally and spiritually. Calls to Disaster Distress Helpline, a network of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, saw an 890 percent spike in call volume in April

The Church is essential to providing care and comfort for many. When government officials unfairly restrict churches, they not only violate the First Amendment; they harm those who are already hurting emotionally and spiritually. 

Thankfully, with the help of Alliance Defending Freedom, many churches are standing up for those in need and their First Amendment freedoms. But they can’t do it without your help. 

Please prayerfully consider giving a gift today to help protect churches, and your neighbors, from becoming victims of government overreach. Remember, it’s not just their freedom on the line—it’s yours too.  

DONATE

Image
Caroline Reeves, Strategic Communications Writer
Caroline Reeves
Copywriter
Caroline Reeves serves as Copywriter at Alliance Defending Freedom