Mar 31

Mar 31 UPDATED: Lenoir County Sheriff's office responds to questions surrounding public church services

FAQ UPDATE ABOUT CHURCHES

It appears that our recent discussions have caused an update to be sent to all law enforcement across our state from our Governor that does differ from the information that was previously given. We received this at 4:16 p.m. Just like the last post, we can not give legal advice to every church, but we can make sure you have the information we have.

Based on the new statement that we just received, Sheriff Ingram has taken the following stance:

"I am glad that the Governor has stated that he trusts the elected Sheriff's to make this decision regarding mass gathering for church services. Along with so many others I am concerned for the safety of our citizens regarding COVID-19, but know that we all desire to worship our God during this time. Therefore, in Lenoir County, my Office will follow this directive - Church services held indoor should have 10 people or less. Church Services held outdoor should require all attendees to remain in their vehicles. I still encourage each of you to maintain social distancing if you participate in these services of praise and worship. God Bless Lenoir County."

NEW INFORMATION FROM GOVERNOR BELOW:

Question today from NCSA to Governor Cooper:

Can you please clarify whether or not “drive-in“ church services are allowed under your Executive Order that limits the number of people in a mass gathering to less than 50 people [which is now limited to 10 people.] The way these church services have been explained, all church members are “quarantined“ inside their individual vehicles, with the windows down, with the pastor standing outside giving the sermon via a speaker. Some of our churches would like to do this and we need to know whether or not it is lawful under your Executive Order.

Per Governor Cooper’s Letter:

In answer to the Sheriffs’ Association question regarding "drive-in" worship services convened in open-air areas: I trust law enforcement's judgment in directing people to abide by local and state health department guidance. These kinds of gatherings appear to be acceptable as long as individuals remain in their vehicles and avoid contact.

Here’s a statement from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s office posted today:

We have received this call numerous times today from Church Personnel and we want to assure you have the correct information from Law Enforcement and what we have been informed from the Governor. The information below is exactly what we have been given as law enforcement.

Please know that our office has not made it a habit to search out for violators of Executive Orders, but we are required to follow up on complaint calls we receive and determine the course of action based on the violation. The intent of this post is to assure you are completely informed so that you do not read incorrect information. We can not provide legal advice to every church, but we can ensure you have the answers that we have been given.

SHORT VERSION - The question has been "can churches have curb side or drive in church under the current Executive Order?" The answer that we have been informed is "yes as long as it is 10 people or less total. It does not matter that you are in separate vehicles." Under the Governor's current Executive order 121, it does matter if you are inside, outside or in a vehicle, - any gathering of people must fall under the mass gathering rule which is Section 3 of Executive Order 121 which states 10 people or less.

LONG VERSION - On March 26, the NC Sheriff's Association presented questions to the Governor for clarification. One of those questions was about this.

QUESTION FROM NC SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION TO GOVERNOR: Can you please clarify whether or not "drive in" church services are allowed under your Executive order that limits the number of people in a mass gathering to less than 50 people. The way these church services have been explained, all church members are "quarantined" inside their vehicles, with the windows down, with the pastor standing outside giving a sermon via a speaker. Some of our churches would like to do this and we need to know whether or not it is lawful under your Executive Order?

ANSWER FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE: Any such gathering would have to comply with social distancing and mass gathering guidelines as set out in Executive Orders 117 and 120. Thus, no more than 50 people could gather in a parking lot even in vehicles, and the cars would need to be spaced 6 feet or more apart.

(Please remember that this answer was given when the Executive Order was for 50 people or minimum. We have been informed to apply the same answer as 10 people or less.)