Carmel group encourages worship services to remain virtual amid virus

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) — Despite churches being able to reopen for in-person service next weekend, one church group is encouraging places of worship to stay virtual.

The Carmel Interfaith Alliance says decisions to return to in-person gatherings should be based on science and from public health leaders.

Gov. Eric Holcomb said Friday, churches need to keep congregations safe and to continue online even after May 8.

“I tend to lean into what they are saying. I’ve heard people say, ‘When will church be back?’ but church never left. We’ve been having services every weekend and in fact not just our church but all across Indy and America, church has been double online than it was live,” said Steve Poe of North View Church.

Holcomb says if churches begin in-person service, they should still practice social distancing and to sanitize as much as possible.