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National Institutes of Health Director Dr Francis Collins – an outspoken Christian – is asking churches across America to do the “altruistic and loving thing” and to close – or stay closed – amid the pandemic of coronavirus, according to NPR.
What are the details?
Collins on Thursday launched a nationwide appeal to religious leaders, urging them to close their churches.
“The virus is having a wonderful time right now, taking advantage of the circumstances when people have let their guard down,” Collins said. “Churches that come together in person are a source of considerable concern and have certainly been a case where a super broadcast has happened and could happen again.
He added: “Most churches really should be invited to go to remote services if they don’t already.”
He made the remarks during a virtual conference with Russell Moore, who is chair of the Ethics and Religious Freedom Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Collins pointed out that worshipers initially appeared to align with local public health guidelines, but seemed to falter when it came to longevity.
“Then you come to the end of the shift,” he says. “You can’t get a bunch of Christians not to kiss and want to shake hands with the pastor as they go out and maybe have a conversation much closer to six feet. And this is where the problem occurs. ”
Collins said the masks are a “rescue device” and not an “invasion of your political freedom” or a “political statement.”
“Think of it that way,” he insisted. “And remember, when you put on this mask, you are protecting yourself from others, but more importantly you are protecting them from yourself. You do the selfless, loving thing of saying, ‘I’m going to protect people from me.’ And that’s a Christian action if I’ve ever heard of one. “
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