Should Churches Stay Open During a Future Pandemic?

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many states tightly restricted religious activities, urging -- and, in some cases, forcing -- faith groups to move their worship services online. At the time, pastors who pushed back against these policies were often treated like troublemakers. But new research shows many Americans now share at least some of their concerns. Overall, more than half of U.S. adults (52%) say that worship services at churches and other houses of worship should be considered "essential" during a pandemic. An even higher share -- 62% -- say the same about funeral gatherings.