Additionally, the letter compares the protests in Denver, some of which have turned violent, and the state’s response to those with the state’s response to AWMI’s conference. “Recent precedent surrounding the various protests, civil unrest, rioting, and looting shows the fallacy that the Colorado’s COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings are being evenly applied,” the letter reads.
The letter makes the case that Governor Polis not only chose not to stop the protests, but he encouraged them. Polis, who held a press conference before the protests started following the death of George Floyd, said he understood why many would choose to ignore the state’s safer-at-home public health order and join the demonstrations. “It is not possible to stay home, it is not possible to stay silent,” Polis said. Then he added, “I urge anyone who is demonstrating to do their best to keep their distance between themselves and others and wear a face covering.” He also encouraged anyone participating to get a test for the virus. The governor admitted the state would likely see more cases of COVID-19 following the protests in the weeks to come.
Liberty Counsel’s letter also cited a 5th circuit court of appeals ruling in the case of Spell v. Edwards, wherein the judge determined “[i]f protests are exempt from social distancing requirements, then worship must be too.”
Still, what the letter doesn’t address is the difference between a demonstration taking place outdoors versus a worship service (including singing) taking place indoors. When asked about this difference, AWMI’s spokesperson didn’t directly address the difference but noted instead that “the unregulated protests” included “tens of thousands of people in close proximity without social distancing or any safety or sanitation protocols.”
Andrew Wommack Doesn’t Want to ‘put people in harm’s way’
Going back to Wommack’s interview, one of his concerns, besides what he considers a violation of first amendment rights, is the fact that government officials have indicated these restrictions might stay in place “until there is a cure or a vaccination, which could be a year from now, who knows?”
Wommack also talked about the toll the restrictions have taken on people as they’ve been isolated and unable to meet in person with their communities. “The suicide rate has gone through the roof, child violence….” he said, going on to mention a fear a missionary friend of his has about the number of people in emerging nations who could potentially die from starvation due to the disruption in food supply the restrictions have caused.
Still, as much as he is determined to stand for first amendment rights, Wommack admits he does have one reservation about gathering: “If something we do would actually cause a spike in the coronavirus, I don’t want to put people in harm’s way.”
The spokesperson for AWMI also told ChurchLeaders that the ministry does plan on adjusting its upcoming events. For instance, the ministry’s Charis Bible College decided to cancel the Kingdom Youth Conference scheduled for July 10-11. Additionally, they are continuing to work with county officials concerning any future events: “The college has been working closely with the Teller County Public Health and Environment department (TCPHE) with the goal of developing agreed operational safety plans for all upcoming events.”
