Pastor: It's not fair 'wicked liquor stores' can stay open, churches encouraged to close

LEBANON, Tenn. (WZTV) -- Easter weekend will look different for most churches this year, as Gov. Bill Lee has called on them to avoid gathering due to COVID-19.

Some Tennessee pastors say it's not the governor's place to put restrictions on places of worship, especially while places like liquor stores continue to operate during the coronavirus pandemic.

One of the main goals of a church service is to come together in worship as a congregation, especially on a big holy day like Easter Sunday, but the governor is advising against traditional in-person services, and that's not going over well with some.

Dale Walker is president of the Tennessee Pastors Network. Friday, he stood outside of a Lebanon liquor store, saying it's not fair that these businesses are open during the pandemic, while churches are facing so many challenges.

"It puts out a bad picture, and I think it's hypocritical to let the wicked liquor stores stay open, and let the abortion clinics stay open that is killing babies, and then we want to save lives, and we're going to shut down the churches on holy week?! No. I have a real problem with that," Pastor Walker said.

Last month, Governor Lee urged houses or worship to stop in-person services amid the spread of COVID-19. Walker says Lee is over-stepping, and that churches can govern themselves.

"I've got pastors contacting me from all over the state that are concerned about the verbiage, the ambiguity out there," Walker said.

A representative from Governor Lee's office released a statement to FOX 17 News, saying worship services are considered essential, and the Safer at Home order doesn't close down churches.

However, the Governor is urging the faith community to choose alternative worship methods, like virtual gatherings or drive-in services with proper social distancing.

Robert Hammer is the Pastor at Westwood Baptist Church in Nashville. He says he made the decision to move their Easter mass online before the governor advised it.

"Out of love and concern for our people, and trying to keep social distancing to protect people," Hammer said. Still, he encourages people to keep their faith strong this Easter weekend, even if they're worshiping from home.

This Sunday, FOX 17 News will be airing the Diocese of Nashville's Easter mass from 11:00 a.m. to noon.