Can small, low-tech San Antonio churches hold in-person services?

Question:

What are the requirements for very small churches (no teleconference or video conference ability) in Bexar County? With social distancing, can we hold services?

Answer:

The stay-at-home orders enacted in both San Antonio and Bexar County prohibit in-person religious services.

“Religious and worship services may only be provided by video, teleconference or other remote measures,” the orders state.

While houses of worship had been exempt from previous orders issued by San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, the March 23 order included them.

On ExpressNews.com: Hotze, pastors ask Texas Supreme Court to rule Harris County stay-at-home order unconstitutional

City spokesperson Laura Mayes said places of worship may hold services through a virtual platform or a drive-through format in which people stay in their cars for the service.

“Services can be offered by video, telephone conference or other measures, not necessarily a high-tech setup,” she said.

Mayes noted the city has seen churches serve their congregations through email or pre-recorded videos.

In Harris County, a conservative activist and three pastors filed a petition with the Texas Supreme Court Monday arguing that Judge Lina Hidalgo’s stay-at-home order violates the Constitution by ordering the closure of churches.

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