Guidance for Houses of Worship as Texas Reopens
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken
Paxton today issued updated joint guidance regarding the effect of Governor
Abbott’s Executive Order GA-18 on religious services conducted by congregations
and houses of worship. It recommends health protocols for houses of worship to
guard the health and safety of their attendees while serving their respective
communities of faith.
“Houses of worship face particular challenges as Texans
work to combat this pandemic. This updated guidance provides clear direction to
protect the health and safety of faith groups as they plan for future religious
gatherings,” said Attorney General Paxton. “All Texans must continue to work
together to care for the health and safety of our neighbors as we work to
reopen the state.”
The updated guidance continues to protect the rights
of Texans to freely exercise their religion. Executive Order GA-18 defines
essential services to include “religious services conducted in churches,
congregations, and houses of worship.” State and local
government orders may not prohibit people from providing or
obtaining those religious services.
Read the guidance document
here.
For information and guidelines on
the safe and strategic reopening of Texas, please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.