CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A church on the Northwest Side becomes the latest in Illinois to resume services, despite the stay at home order.
The Metro Praise International Church at Diversey and Long in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood held services this weekend, in defiance of the rules governing the state's stay at home order.
The rule from the State of Illinois is that 10 people or fewer are allowed at churches right now; but Metro Praise International Church had about 50 people inside on Sunday. Some people did not wear masks, and social distancing was optional.
“That’s a part of our freedom of religion, we believe,” Pastor Joseph Wyrostek told CBS 2.
According to CBS 2, hand sanitizer and wipes are available at the door, but the congregation believes in the healing power of touch.
“I will take the risk to hug you, because I believe it’s good for you if you’re willing to take that risk at this point and you say you need it,” Wryostek said, “and the church should be there.”
Church members like expectant mother Sadia Sarrha believe the risk of going to church is no greater than going to the store.
“I put my trust in Jesus,” Sarrha said. “A lot of people are worried. What about the baby? Are you putting the baby at risk? I put the baby at risk even if I go to Walmart.”
And church members said their faith will protect them.
Chicago police said they did receive calls about the service, but they said protective measures were in place when they arrived and no citations were issued.