Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - New regulations announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo say that churches and places of worship can once again hold services, but only if they limit gatherings to ten people and enforce social distancing.
The new guideline aims to add a bit of clarity to the question of when, and in what capacity, churches in Western New York will be able to begin services like masses, weddings, and baptisms.
“I understand their desire to get to religious ceremonies as soon as possible. As a former altar boy, I get it,” Cuomo said. “But we need to find out how to do it and do it safely and do it smartly. The last thing we want to do is have a religious ceremony that winds up having more people infected.”
"We welcome the news that churches may begin welcoming back in small numbers those who seek the spiritual nourishment that our parishes provide," said Bishop Edward Scharfenberger in a statement. "Extensive guidelines are currently being distributed to pastors and parish administrators. Our many parishes across Western New York will need time to implement the necessary precautions and ensure that there is a consistent approach for safeguarding the health and safety of all who will now once again gather for liturgies and participation in the Church’s sacraments.”
How big of an impact will Wednesday's announcement have on area congregations?
"Very minor," said Msgr. Robert Zapfel of St. Leo the Great Church in Amherst. "We have already been doing funerals for ten people or less, immediate family and close relatives, so it's not helpful to our weekend masses at all.”
"I've spent days trying to get authorities to give some directives. I think it's problematic that the churches were not represented on Gov. Cuomo's 116 member reopening advisory board. We weren't consulted," said Pastor John Pingel of Salem Lutheran Church. "We don't know how to proceed and then we found out we were relegated to phase four, which puts our reopening way into the future, possibly July or August, and this is destroying churches. Some will not last if this goes on much longer."
When Sunday services do return, they will look much different.
"Maybe more vulnerable patients, they should be the last to return. I'm sure our church and others will continue live streaming of masses, and we'll have to have safety protocols as well," said Zapfel. "We'll be giving strict consideration to ushers to make sure social distancing is kept for where they're seated and when they come up for communion." He adds areas will be cleaned after services and minimal exchanging of paper products, like bulletins.
Cuomo said drive-ins and parking lots could be used for religious services.
Pingel said he'll leave that option for others, and instead will focus on getting his church ready.