How should Christians think about church-lockdown during the covid pandemic?

Written by a friend, published with permission.

In March 2020 we were introduced to the idea of lockdown for the first time. There was great uncertainty about the dangers of the coronavirus. Throughout the world, fear and panic resulted in people being ordered to stay at home to prevent the initial spread of the virus. In South Africa, lockdown was meant to be only 3 weeks in order to prepare healthcare systems for an inevitable increase in hospital admissions.

One thing which was clear even then is that in the long run, we will have to learn how to live with this virus. Isolation is not a viable option for humanity and has shown to be just as dangerous and damaging to health as the virus itself. We were made in God’s image, body and soul, we require physical and spiritual food in order to live and thrive as human beings. We cannot shut down all of life just because there is a chance of infection and an even smaller chance of death for those who are infected (especially if they are healthy and not older than 60).

Despite these realities, at the end of December 2020 our country has once again been placed in a lockdown. Citizens have been prohibited from gathering together for worship and may only leave their homes for business purposes (which are deemed essential). Current government legislation also prohibits us from meeting with family or friends.

In light of these restrictions, we would like to provide some clarity regarding the Biblical principles that ought to guide our decision making in the months ahead. We would also like to explain why the church council has determined to continue holding worship services and what our expectation is from church members.

God’s commandments to us

1. The greatest commandment is that we must love the LORD with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37-38). The second is like it, we must love our neighbour as ourselves (Matthew 22:39-40). What this love for God and for our neighbour looks like in practice is made clear in the 10 Commandments. Indeed, in the words of Jesus Christ, we love God when we obey his commandments (John 14:15).

2. In the 4th Commandment, God requires that we gather together for worship on the Lord’s Day (Exodus 20:8-11; Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 38). When gathering for worship, we do not do so primarily in order to enjoy fellowship with other believers, but to meet with God. Christ is present in the worship service in a special way (1 Corinthians 5:4; 14:25). The Holy Spirit has promised to use this means of grace to work and strengthen faith in the hearts of God’s people (CD 3/4 Article 17).

We must continue to meet together if we are to persevere and be encouraged in the Christian life (Hebrews 10:24-25). Just as we need bread and water in order to sustain our physical bodies, we also need to sit under the preaching of God’s Word (and make use of the sacraments) to nourish and sustain our faith. Gathering for worship is not optional for the Christian. It is central to our calling and will be so for eternity (Psalm 100; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 7:9-12). 

3. We believe that God has ordained civil officers to govern this world and that we are to be subject to them in all matters which are not in conflict with the Word of God (Acts 4:19, 5:29). This ties in with the 5^th Commandment. Government authorities have the task of promoting justice and ensuring freedom of religion (Belgic Confession Article 36). In their attempts to punish evil and protect those who do good, the government has been given the power of the sword (Romans 13:4). This power does not mean that they have the authority to prohibit what God demands, or command what God prohibits.

4. It is our duty to love our neighbour and act in a manner that does not unnecessarily endanger human life (Exodus 20:13; Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 40). This does not mean that we must preserve human life at all costs, as if the preservation of life is the ultimate principle that underlies all other commandments. There are times when obedience to God may result in the loss of life (e.g. Mark 8:34-48; Hebrews 11:32-40). Indeed, the expectation of New Testament Christians was that their lives would involve a lot of suffering as a result of their desire to honour God (2 Timothy 3:12).

In our ordinary day to day lives as human beings we are also constantly in situations where we take risks for those things, we consider to be important. For example, we drive to work in our cars even though there are a lot of people who die in car accidents. The risk of death does not stop us from visiting friends or going on holiday. Travel by car will always be dangerous but we do not consider such behaviour to be contrary to the 6th commandment. 

5. It might appear as if our current situation is one in which obedience to the 4th commandment (gathering for worship) is in conflict with obedience to the 5th commandment (government regulation) and the 6th commandment (preservation of life). This is not true, however. There is a way of honouring God which does not require us to break any of his commandments:

• When governing authorities ask us to ignore any one of God’s commandments (e.g. prohibitions on gathering for worship) they are overstepping their authority and they do not have to be obeyed. The 5th commandment does not require obedience to governing authorities when they ask us to do something which God prohibits or prevent us from doing something that God demands. Gathering for worship is thus not (and can never be) in conflict with the 5th commandment.
• Likewise, the command to preserve human life does not require us to stop meeting for worship. It is possible to worship together in a manner that is responsible. The church council has the responsibility of making sure that worship services are conducted in a way that does not unnecessarily endanger life. The only time in the Bible when people were not allowed to join worship services is if they themselves were clearly showing signs of illness (e.g. Leviticus 13). It is not unloving to gather for worship when you are healthy.

Some answers to questions regarding worship in our current circumstances

How will we ensure that worship services are safe?

There remains uncertainty regarding the transmission and spread of the coronavirus. Government health and safety protocols have been established to ensure that life may continue in a way that minimises the risk of transmission. In particular there is an emphasis on washing hands, wearing masks and maintaining appropriate social distance. We will be adhering to all these protocols in our gatherings.

In addition, we also want to make sure that we can use a building which is large enough to provide ample space for distancing. We are currently in contact with other churches in this regard. If you know of any locations that can be used to hold a worship service, please let us know.

Also, if you think that our gatherings are not as safe as you would like them to be, please do not remain silent and stay away. You are part of the body, and we need your gifts. Be part of the solution. Come with suggestions and with practical help

 

Are worship services not ‘super-spreader’ events?

The use of the term ‘super-spreader’ is often associated with activities that the government considers to be unnecessary. Thus, worship services are labelled as ‘super-spreader’ events (as are funerals), but not journeys in a taxi (where you sit next to a person in an enclosed space) or visits to the gym. We are able to maintain social distancing at worship services in a manner that is not possible in a taxi, restaurant or even at the grocery store. 

If you are convinced that the risk of loss of life should prevent us from meeting for worship, no matter what health and safety precautions are taken, then we would expect you to be consistent in your conviction. We would expect you to stay away from family visits, restaurants, business meetings, and all activities which are not absolutely essential to preserving (biological) life.

How will we ensure that worship services are not broken up by government officials?

Ideally, we would meet together in an area where it will not be obvious that there is a gathering of people. If cars can be parked in a way that they are hidden from street view, then that will prevent any unwanted visits from police. Alternatively, if we meet in a business premise, then the presence of cars outside will not be considered strange and thus won’t warrant further investigation.

We do not intend to tell lies to anyone who asks us about our gatherings, or to disguise our meetings to look like something else. We only want to avoid drawing attention, as far as possible. Consequently, we will also not publicly advertise the location of our meeting place. Only church members and visitors with whom we have personal contact will be informed of where we are meeting for worship.

 

What will happen if the police come to our worship service?

Regulation 36 (18) of the latest Level 3 lockdown rules states as follows:

An enforcement officer must. where a gathering in contravention of the regulations takes place -

(a) order the persons at the gathering to disperse immediately:

(b) if the persons refuse to disperse. take appropriate action, which may, subject to the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No 51 of 1977), include the arrest and detention of any person at the gathering.

According to this regulation, you will not be fined or arrested if government officials should arrive. They will break up the meeting and we will go home.

 

Who will be expected to come to worship services?

God’s people delight to obey God’s commandments and worship the LORD together (Psalm 122). Except for the sick (Leviticus 13), all church members should be encouraged to be present on the Lord’s Day for worship since this is what God expects from his people (Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 38). Indeed, we even confess that God has given deacons to his church with the task of ensuring that “no person is absent and/or estranged from the body of Christ on account of poverty, sickness or age.”

If you are ill or showing symptoms associated with COVID-19, please do not come to our worship services. Those who are obviously sick and thus a risk to others should not be present. However, if you are not ill or showing any symptoms, you can join us for worship. It does not matter where you work or how many people you come into contact with on a week-to-week basis. If you are healthy you can be present. 

 

What about the danger of sickness?

We understand that there are members in our church who are frail of health and very concerned about possibly contracting the virus. You may feel that our health and safety precautions are not sufficient to.

If you are someone in this category, we would encourage you to speak to us about what we can do to improve safety at our worship services so that it will be possible for you to join us. There are lots of plans that can be made.

If you are already suffering from an underlying illness which would put you or family members at great risk, we will understand if you choose to stay away from worship for a time. Again, we will expect you to be consistent and follow a course of complete self-isolation. Please also let us know how we can best minister to you during this time of isolation.    

 

What if I consider worship meetings to be sinful in our current circumstances?

Whatever we think of our government’s decision to prohibit Christians from gathering for worship, we should understand that the proclamation of the gospel is not a priority for the government. Worship gatherings are seen to have social and cultural value, but they are not seen as essential. Thus, there is a fundamental difference between how the government views worship gatherings, and how we as Christians view worship gatherings.

We realise that there are some Christian believers who are convinced that it would be sinful and wrong to keep meeting for worship. We disagree with this conclusion and would encourage you to please write a letter explaining where we have faulted in our reasoning or misunderstood God’s commandments.

We would also like to draw attention to the fact that any and all social gatherings are currently prohibited by the government. Thus, if it is wrong to meet for worship, it is also wrong to meet with members of your family or friends who are not living with you. Whether you meet at the restaurant or in your home does not affect the legality of doing so. Again, we would expect you to be consistent.

 

There are many religious groups who will not be adhering to appropriate health and safety protocols. Surely, we can understand why a blanket ban on religious gatherings is necessary in current circumstances?

The government has not banned all restaurants from opening for business even though there are some which do not follow safety protocols. The government does not ban all cars because some people are irresponsible drivers. Having been given the task to promote justice, the government must distinguish between good and bad (Romans 13:3). They must distinguish between those who act responsibly and those who do not, punishing wrongdoers and not being a terror to those who do good.

What about the recommendations from the RCSA Deputies?

The RCSA Deputies responsible for engaging in discussion with our government are of the opinion that it would be wrong for churches to continue meeting for worship. They believe that the government has the authority to prevent the church from gathering on the Lord’s Day, even though this is a clear Biblical command.

In response, there are several things to mention:

1. The deputies do not speak for all the churches in the RCSA. Their opinion is not an official decision which the RCSA has made. Their opinion serves as a recommendation. There are a number of churches in the RCSA who are speaking to the deputies and sharing their disagreements with them. There are also a number of churches who are proceeding with worship services.

2. The deputies consider that preservation of life requires self-isolation and that this means abstaining from worship services. This is inconsistent with the belief (which all RCSA churches confess) that gathering for worship is essential and necessary for the Christian believer. 

3. The deputies think that a message which is broadcast over the internet is a sufficient means of proclaiming the gospel in our time and circumstances. Though we can agree with them that Bible truths can be communicated in this manner, we do not think that this can replace a worship service, nor excuse us from gathering together.

In addition, online video messages are only possible for rich churches and ministries in areas where people have easy access to the internet. In poor areas of our country, the prohibition on worship is preventing the gospel from being shared. There can be no house-to-house visits - even street evangelism is prohibited since you may not leave your home for anything except exercise and commerce.

4. The deputies argue that, since the reason for the prohibition of worship is honourable, the prohibition must be seen as legitimate. This argument seems persuasive until one considers that governments around the world regularly use ‘honourable’ motivations for ungodly decisions. For example, abortion is allowed in the interests of ‘women’s health.’ The ends do not justify the means (Romans 3:7-8). A sincere motivation does not justify disobedience to God.

5. The deputies argue that, since the government has the responsibility of protecting the lives of its citizens, we should be obedient to their attempts to do so. This is true unless the government prohibits us from doing what God has commanded or requires us to do what God has prohibited.

6. The deputies argue that, since the prohibitions on worship are not motivated by a desire to persecute Christians, they must be adhered to. Only when Christians are being persecuted for their faith do they have the right to disobedience. This argument has already been addressed above (4), however it also prompts the question: When does persecution begin? The Israelites in Egypt were persecuted not for their faith, but for the political threat that they seemed to hold for the Egyptians. Christians living in the early church were persecuted by authorities not for believing in Jesus Christ, but for their failure to go along with the Romans’ idolatrous customs. They were thus being persecuted because they sought to obey God rather than men.

 A last word

The first readers of the book of Hebrews faced persecution and pressure in many forms. The writer of Hebrews commanded them: ‘Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing nearer’ (Hebrews 10:24-25).

We see the Day (the day of Christ’s second coming) drawing nearer. We see it in the form of pestilences, other illnesses, natural disasters, economic crises, famines and political turmoil. Some of our members have been touched by these things in a very personal way.

As we see the Day drawing nearer, we have all the more reason to gather together. All the more, we should come together in prayer for each other and for the world. All the more, we should encourage one another to live by faith, and not by fear.

Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA) to challenge the current Lockdown regulations in court

Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA) – on behalf of various churches and faith groups in South Africa – intends to intervene in (and ask that our application be heard simultaneously with) the South African National Christian Forum’s (SANCF) application to the Johannesburg High Court to challenge the current Lockdown regulations which prohibit all faith-based gatherings indefinitely. This application will likely be heard in early February.

FOR SA has previously written to the President to ask that Government provide the scientific data and reasons why it has banned all faith-based gatherings during the adjusted Level 3 regulations, while allowing for (e.g.) casinos, fitness clubs, cinemas, conference centres, galleries, museums and restaurants to continue operating subject to certain numerical limitations and safety protocols. We believe that this blanket ban is irrational and unconstitutional, because it discriminates unfairly against the religious sector.

FOR SA respects Government’s right to promulgate regulations to safeguard lives and to prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed. Our argument simply is that it must treat all sectors of society equally, unless it can provide scientific evidence that faith-based gatherings (which at this point remain undefined) pose a greater health risk than those gatherings it permits.

While there are diverse opinions within the religious sector regarding the motivations for, or appropriate response, to Government’s blanket ban on all forms of religious meetings, FOR SA’s position is that the question is ultimately a legal one – Is Government’s blanket ban on religious meetings reasonable and justifiable in terms of section 36 of the Constitution (which includes that it must be based on scientific data).

As a legal advocacy group working to protect and promote the constitutional rights of all faiths to freedom of religion, FOR SA has no desire to be contentious or adversarial towards Government. Given, however, that the religious community has greater constitutional protection than any economic sector of our society, we have no option other than to prepare a legal challenge, while at the same time hoping that Government will either amend its position or provide scientific and data-backed reasons for its unfair treatment of the religious community. In the absence of this, we believe that this decision by Government should be tested in a court of law and that a judicial review is important to evaluate and fairly assess whether (or not) Government’s severe restriction of these fundamental rights is reasonable and justifiable in accordance with the requirements of the rule of law, the Constitution and just administrative action.

FOR SA’s arguments, and the relief it seeks, are very similar to cases recently adjudicated in Germany, Switzerland, France and the USA, where courts have struck down regulations which have unfairly discriminated against faith-based gatherings and places of worship. As such, our application challenging the blanket ban on religious gatherings – if successful – will benefit all religious institutions and persons from across the faith spectrum who are currently unable to gather in any shape or form.

A copy of the Executive Summary setting out the proposed grounds for FOR SA’s court application, and the proposed relief we would be asking the Court for can be viewed here.

FOR SA encourages all interested religious organisations to consider if/how you would like to become involved in this matter. To this end, we have prepared a Form/Survey with further information, which can securely and easily be completed on-line. Should further information be required, please contact Michael Swain, Executive Director of FOR SA on 072 270 1217 or email michael.swain@forsa.org.za.

Does Romans 13 demand unconditional obedience to civil authorities?

The President of South Africa recently (11/01/2021 @20h00) announced that we will remain in adjusted level 3 lockdown. This is devastating news for the church. Many of us hoped the President would allow us to meet again, but unfortunately not. This time he also did not give us a date, but only said, "when the infection rate has dropped to a safe level." This can of course be indefinite as the government already began to prepare the citizens for a third and fourth wave. The situation is very worrying for the church in light of other economic activities that may continue.

Recently, there also were a few sermons and debates around Romans 13 and our obedience to governing authorities. This is of course true, but the question is, "should we obey the government unconditionally?" For example, corporal punishment is against the law in South Africa but as Christians, we should rather obey Christ in this regard. What should we then do with regards to church gatherings?

The government's instruction to completely suspend worship services is against the command of Christ (Ex. 20:8-11; Heb. 10:25). We must obey all the laws of Christ including the 4th command and not neglect the gathering of the saints. When the state’s commands conflict with God’s commands, believers must follow the Lord because Christ is the Head of the Church. God has also appointed different spheres of authority (sphere sovereignty) - family, Church and civil society. Each authority must be respected by all people and may not be suppressed or overturned by another. Romans 13 regulates the relationships between these spheres of authority but it does not override the authority of the Head of all authorities, Christ the Lord. For example, the Church is firstly obedient to the Head of the Church and secondary to government.

In his institutes (Book 4, Section 32), John Calvin writes, "In that obedience which we hold to be due to the commands of rulers, we must always make the exception, nay, must be particularly careful that it is not incompatible with obedience to Him to whose will the wishes of all kings should be subject, to whose decrees their commands must yield, to whose majesty their sceptres must bow. And, indeed, how preposterous were it, in pleasing men, to incur the offence of Him for whose sake you obey men! The Lord, therefore, is King of kings. When he opens his sacred mouth, he alone is to be heard, instead of all and above all. We are subject to the men who rule over us, but subject only in the Lord. If they command anything against Him, let us not pay the least regard to it, nor be moved by all the dignity which they possess as magistrates - a dignity to which, no injury is done when it is subordinated to the special and truly supreme power of God. On this ground Daniel denies that he had sinned in any respect against the king when he refused to obey his impious decree, (Dan 6: 22), because the king had exceeded his limits, and not only been injurious to men, but, by raising his horn against God, had virtually abrogated his own power."

Therefore, the government cannot unilaterally suspend worship services whenever they see fit. They must submit to Christ in this regard by asking the Church how they can work together to protect the lives of people. The Church can then explain their role under the headship of Christ and how we can comply while obeying Christ first as the Head of the Church. However, it is their duty to ensure the safety and religious freedom of society. That means there are certain things in the Church's domain they can regulate for the safety and common good of people but not when and how we worship. For example, they can regulate things like electricity, fire escapes, building regulations, health regulations, etc. In that sense, they can give us regulations to protect people but they cannot suspend worship service completely. That we must learn from Christ and Scripture and not from the government. Doing that they have taken upon themselves the role of Christ as the Head of the Church. They have moved out of their sphere of sovereignty into the Church's domain.

Suspending worship services completely while opening restaurants, malls, cinemas, casinos, etc., are implying the Church is non-essential and unsafe for society while other things are safe and beneficial. That is a massive contradiction because sitting in a restaurant without a mask while laughing and having a good time is not a lesser risk than a Church gathering once a week. Many malls are overcrowded with the closing of beaches. Allowing a sinful act like gambling to continue for seven days a week while the Church cannot gather at all is an act against God. This is an injustice against the Church of Christ and making a value estimation of the Church which is not their place. Christ paid with His own blood for the church to indicate its value and importance. God has ordained the Church to be the most essential institution of salvation, restraining-power, and moral-upliftment of society. Ignoring or acting contrary to this is acting against Christ regardless of the government's intent. That said, let us remember, actions speak louder than words and a tree will be known by its fruit.

Their actions are against the will of God and overstepping the boundary given to them by Christ. Christians, therefore, have the right—indeed, the God-given duty—to disobey the state whenever the government forbids what the Lord commands or commands what the Lord forbids. The principle in the Bible as practiced throughout Church history is that the sick, the vulnerable, and the elderly be protected while the healthy continue to worship. Scientific data shows that the recovery and death rate of the coronavirus is not so severe as to necessitate complete isolation of people. Government is already acknowledging this by allowing economic activities to continue to protect the livelihood of people. Therefore, the sick, the elderly, and the weak can stay home while the healthy continue to attend worship services. The government can therefore ask that we comply with some basic regulations to protect the lives of people while meeting but they cannot completely suspend worship services.