To Mask or NOT To Mask...That is the Question
Courtesy of Rob Tornoe, The Philadelphia Inquirer
BY PASTOR CHUCK RYOR
This past week the mask issue took center stage again as politicians grilled public health officials on national television. The divisions that had previously existed in our country have certainly been exacerbated by this global pandemic. Unfortunately, these divisions have found their way into the church.
Pastor friends of mine from sea to shining sea report people leaving their churches because their church leadership determined to follow masking guidelines. People are leaving churches because they were asked to wear a mask at a worship service during a global pandemic. Because this issue has reemerged, I wanted to clarify the position of our church leadership.
We wear masks during worship to show love for those who are concerned for their health or the health of vulnerable loved ones with whom they live.
We wear masks because there are some in our church and culture who are genuinely concerned about the transmission of COVID-19. We don’t think people are weak for fearing the lethality of this virus. Two older people in our church died from COVID during this past season. As well, many younger people live with older people or would like their children to see their older grandparents. Thus, they are cautious that they don’t get it and pass it along to relatives with compromised immune systems.
Additionally, we have in our church elderly people who themselves are vulnerable, and they would like to come to public worship. Again, we wear masks primarily out of concern for others. These others are either themselves physically vulnerable or live with those who do. As author and columnist David French recently wrote:
“It is well-established that the primary purpose of wearing the mask is to protect those around you more than it is to protect yourselves. When I’m standing next to an unmasked family in church, I’m not thinking they’re brave or bold. I’m seeing instead a tangible disregard for the health and safety of those around them.”
Our church defaults toward loving our neighbors. Masks are not comfortable, but they don’t keep us from singing, praying, talking to others, or listening to the Word of God. Over the years, the government has told us that for our safety the chapel must be constructed according to codes, and for fire safety there is a maximum number of people that can worship in our chapel. Our church leadership sees the health department directives on this issue as one more effort to protect public safety.
Our leadership does not lack the courage to stand up to the government, we just don’t feel that in this case we’re being persecuted or singled out by the state. Nor do we think being asked to wear masks prevents our worship of God. For clarity’s sake, we’re not “capitulating” to the government, but instead we’re committed to loving those who might be worried or physically weak.
I’ve heard Christians mock those who wonder about the relative health benefits of wearing a mask and express concerns about government intrusion on the church’s rights. As well, I’ve actually heard someone refer to people who are frightened during this pandemic as weak Christians who are too afraid to live their lives. Our leadership rejects either of these expressions of disrespect for other brothers and sisters.
We are committed to not allowing cultural tensions on these subjects divide our church. Our leadership feels no compulsion to solve these issues but have determined that we will wear masks because we believe it demonstrates love for our neighbors…and it costs us nothing to do so. We challenge those who think that those with a different view are emotionally weak or intellectually inferior, to serve their weaker brothers or sisters in Christ, as Scripture would tell us to.
“Therefore, let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”
ROMANS 14:13
Scripture calls the stronger Christian to accommodate the weaker/less mature believer, and not use their “FREEDOMS” to cause another to stumble. The stronger brother/sister always is there to serve the weaker’s needs. If what the weaker brother or sister was asking us to do was unbiblical, we should do what is right.
But in matters of conscience, you don’t get to consider yourself the stronger brother or sister in Christ and not serve those you consider weak people. You’re welcome to reject this notion, but inside THE CHAPEL you cannot consider yourself a “strong and mature” believer with an attitude that says you won’t accommodate a weaker and less mature Christian on matters of conscience.
Candidly, as our church’s pastor I would challenge you to search your heart if you genuinely have disdain for others regarding their conscience or maturity.
On our church property, we wear masks for others’ benefit. Frankly, I think wearing a mask is a bit of a hassle, but it doesn’t prevent my worship of God. In fact, by seeing the wearing of a mask as an act of love for others, I am worshipping God more deeply. As a college professor, I have been vaccinated and don’t need a mask. However, many of my neighbors feel safer if I wear a mask at church.…so I will.