NJ Churches Could Resume Inside Services As Early As June 12

NEW JERSEY - If the numbers continue to trend in the right way during New Jersey's COVID-19 recovery, houses of worship could start seeing congregants at inside ceremonies as early as June 12, Gov. Phil Murphy said Friday.

Speaking at his daily COVID-19 briefing, Murphy said that his administrations has been in close contact with the communities of faith throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

"The overwhelming number of which have taken truly to heart the need for social distancing and the health and safety of their congregations," Murphy said "This has been a hard time for them to be sure."

Murphy said that if New Jersey's health metrics continued to trend in the right direction, he anticipated being able to raise the limits on indoor gatherings in a way that will allow for greater indoor religious services beginning the weekend of June 12.

"So many of our faith leaders of every religion and denomination have been tremendous in our support for our efforts to save lives," Murphy said. "They are the ones who, frankly, deserve the media coverage."

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their doors to worshipers earlier this week. The pastors at two churches in Millville, one in Vineland and one in Swedesboro, have filed a lawsuit asking for an injunction asking that their respective churches be permitted to open to worshipers.

The lawsuit, which names Murphy, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and Col. Patrick Callahan, the State Police superintendent, as defendants, claims the churches can reopen while maintaining social distancing measures.

It also says most of the world's major religions congregate worship that's essential to practice for their faith. Religious services weren't deemed an essential business capable of remaining open by the state.

Dwelling Place Network, House of Praise Church, Cornerstone Community Church and New Jersey Life Church are seeking the ability to reopen, and to have the state pay their legal costs.

Murphy said that his administration will work through the proper safeguards that will need to be in place before we can welcome our communities back into their houses of worship.

"We don't want any opening to have an adverse impact on our communities. We know some faith institutions are not ready to open," Murphy said. "And we will work with you and respect when you feel it is safe to do so."

Murphy said that even if his administration does everything right they cannot get to where they need to get to without faith institutions.

"Both in their houses of worship and most importantly their tentacles into the community," he said.

Murphy said that he wants these institutions to be strong and safe, as New Jersey recovers from this pandemic.

"Our faiths are, supposed to after all, bring us together," he said.

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