By Amanda Cooper
Several local religious leaders are speaking out against Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s announcement of reopening the state this week. Starting Friday, gyms, bowling alleys, salons, and other indoor facilities can resume operations; restaurants and movie theatres can reopen this coming Monday. The governor also announced that steps in reopening the state include allowing churches and other religious bodies to gather for service beginning this Sunday. However, several religious leaders say they are choosing not to reopen houses of worship this Sunday and are urging other religious leaders to resist and do the same.
Dr. Jamal Bryant, the Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, is one of the leaders who are speaking out against the decision.
During a live video on Facebook, Bryant shared his thoughts about Kemp’s order to over 800K viewers. He also stated that New Birth will remain closed this Sunday, and services will continue to be streamed online.
In solidarity Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church said in a statement that he is directing more than 520 AME churches in the Sixth Episcopal District to remain closed.
Bishop Jackson cited that the data shows African Americans are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus more than anyone else. He says “Gathering now, with so little testing puts African Americans at great risk. This is a risk we should not take. I urge Governor Kemp to reconsider his decision and delay his efforts to reopen the economy of Georgia.”
Edward Ahmed Mitchell, Executive Director of The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations along with a coalition of Georgia's largest mosques have also agreed to remain closed during the month of Ramadan; which begins on or about April 24, despite Governor Kemp's new executive order permitting Georgians to return to houses of worship.
State and local leaders are concerned that the Governor’s decision is premature and are questioning his logic. Kemp says his decision was based on new data from health officials that shows Georgia may have hit its peak on April 6. Nationwide, many have also criticized Kemp’s decision. During a White House coronavirus update today, even President Trump stated that he did not agree with the governor’s decision and felt it was too soon.
Kemp is expected to give more guidance on the steps to reopen the state this week.