Decision of Donald Trump to reopen churches draws flak

Donald Trump has stirred up controversy once again. In a press meet on Friday, he has announced that religious places of worship need to be opened immediately. With respect to the announcement, US Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) released detailed guidelines on Friday for religious worship.

Most of the people are unclear on how Donald Trump would override the state authorities, if they try to interfere in the matters of religious worship. Rachel Laser, President and CEO of AMERICANS UNITED has raised strong objection to Donald Trump's order. She has tweeted that the decision regarding opening houses of worship should be left to the respective states.

She also stated that the 10th amendment of the constitution prevents the President from ordering the states on which services are essential and which are not essential. The powers to classify the services lies with the states.

Legal experts object the order pronounced by Donald Trump

According to Politico, ACLU executive director, Romero has said that the order of Donald Trump purely reflects his partisan agenda.

It is a matter of hypocrisy that the government presses for shut down of abortion clinics but on the other hand it wants the churches to open immediately.

According to a NY Times report, Michael Luttig, a circuit appeals court judge has stated that the President cannot override a governor's decision to prohibit the church gatherings in the wake of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover Harold Hongju Koh, an American lawyer has told the NY Times that the governors need not comply with the statements made by the President. Even if it is called an order.

Statement made by Donald Trump draws huge criticism from journalists

Peter Baker from NY Times group has tweeted that Donald Trump's order has come out in a crucial point of time when the electoral base of Donald Trump is eroding.

Hence he tries to draw the support of evangelicals and conservative voters who would contribute considerably to his election turnout.

Joe Scarborough from NBC has expressed his strong objection by tweeting “When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in synagogues and on street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door.” ~Jesus

Pastors contradict the order of Donald Trump

Donald Trump's order has even created a dissent among pastors. Edward Beck, a Roman Catholic Priest has tweeted “Houses of worship are not essential, but true worship is: ‘When I was hungry, did you feed me? When I was thirsty, did you give me a drink? When I was a stranger, did you invite me in? When I was naked, did you clothe me? When I was sick and in prison did you...?”

James Martin, a Jesuit Priest has condemned Donald Trump's order to override governors by tweeting "The President says that he will "override the governors" and force states to allow churches to open.

Churches should not open (or close) by order of a president, but because it is safe to do so. To open churches before it is safe puts lives at risk. And that would be anti-life..."

Rev.Dr.William J.Barber has negated strongly by tweeting that "Trump doesn’t get to tell the Church what’s essential. In fact, going back now, because he said to, would be false worship. He needs to repent & focus on what is essential for a nation—establishing justice, insuring domestic tranquility, promoting the general welfare, etc."