Many Mass. Houses Of Worship Choose To Remain Closed Despite OK From State

Today is the first Sunday in months that houses of worship are permitted to open, as long as they follow guidelines and restrictions set forth by the state. But many houses of worship are choosing to hold off on convening in person to ensure the safety of their congregants.

One of these is the Massachusetts episcopal church, which has elected not to hold mass until July. Bishop Alan Gates, leader of the episcopal diocese of Massachusetts, joined Morning Edition to talk about why remote church attendance is on the rise, how in-person worship might look different with social distancing guidelines in place, and what congregations are doing to maintain spiritual connection remotely.