Can You Livestream from Your Church in a Locked-Down Location?

Yes, the HHS says you are essential personnel-- so let’s act like it

A few years ago, I had the honor of addressing the Army Chief of Chaplains annual training. I remember a lot about that day, since talking to a room of a thousand soldiers was intimidating at best. General Carver, the Army Chief of Chaplains at the time, invited and hosted.

At one point I asked him—though I don’t remember my exact words-- about how, in a day where church and state are separating, the Army is recruiting and funding chaplains. He pointed out that they were of all different faiths but, quoting him, “There is a reason the Army pays for chaplains who jump out of airplanes—because soldiers need them.”

That quote resonated with me. As such, I remembered his exact words. And, they came back to me this week.

Official Word from the HHS

Right now, pastors are asking (particularly from California and New York, but perhaps soon from everywhere), if they can meet to record and/or broadcast their services when only “essential” activity is allowed.

We know that grocery stores, gas stations, and your local electrical utility will still be working. We need them. They are essential.

But, what about the church. What about places of worship?

So, I asked the HHS leadership some questions.

Shannon Royce, who continues to do good work as a liaison for the faith community, reached out to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Counsel.

William Chang, HHS General Counsel, responded by restating the question and then answering it very clearly.

Question:

Is the broadcast of churches from their places of worship (with minimal teams and with social distancing) an essential service.

Answer:

Yes. Please follow CDC guidelines when doing so.

The CDC Guidelines he linked to are at the end of this article. ...

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