In response to the increased covid cases in Texas (or positive test results) an order was issued by Governor Abbott, mandating that masks be worn in public places. This led to many churches closing their doors. Others opted to do as we have done at Calvary Austin, which is to require masks during services. Our decision was met mainly with support while a few took the news rather hard, voicing their opinions on social media. Along with their objections, many false assumptions were made about me and my reasoning for requiring masks at church.
I’m perfectly okay with people disagreeing with me. There are too many unknowns about covid, or even masks, to expect full concurrence on what’s proven to be the most controversial issue of our day. Most of us accept that. Most of us. Not everyone. Some do get upset if you don’t see things their way. And the assumptions they make can be surprising. I was surprised by the assumptions made about me.
One assumption is that the decision to require a mask at Calvary Austin was mine alone. I do assume responsibility for the final call, but staff pastors decided this together. Never would I have thought to be a lone ranger on such an important issue. That would’ve been foolish.
Another assumption was that I didn’t read Governor Abbott’s order thoroughly and missed the exemption for places of worship. In fact, I did read the order in its entirety, along with all the exemptions. I also read where it is stated masks are “strongly encouraged” in worship services. For churches, that means masks are an ask, not an order. For this reason, we made the requirement for masks more about love and less about the law.
There was also the assumption that I’m worried about my own health because I must be immune-compromised. The truth is that I have a strong immune system. I’ve never missed a Sunday due to illness since I started preaching in the early 90’s, nor have I had a virus in decades. The decision for masks was not about me, but out of concern for the flock. Some have argued this point, insisting that face masks offer no benefit against the corona virus. They see the mask as part of a communist scheme that most are blind to.
In writing my book Elsinore, I did extensive research on communism in America. In the Cold War of the fifties, there were many similarities to what we see today. Communist party members were known to stir up racial issues to gain a foothold on the government. They also launched attacks against public leaders, and in remote cases, took over their seats of office. During this time, there was also what’s known as the “red scare”. People were so afraid of a communist takeover, anyone with a reddish complexion was suspect. Many lost jobs because they were wrongly accused of having communist ties. Anyone who leaned slightly to the left was prone to investigation. Reputations were damaged that didn’t need to be. This is another similarity I see. The mask has brought back the red scare. Anyone that would require a mask is now suspect. They may not be a communist; they just don’t know a hammer and sickle when the see one. Perhaps in thirty years we’ll look back at 2020 the same way our fathers did at the fifties. The fear of communism did more damage in America than any communist regime.
While some don’t go so far as to link face masks to a communist agenda, they might see it more as a party issue between Republicans and Democrats. Personally, I see face coverings as a health issue, not a political one. Debates on their usefulness would be more productive if politics were left out. Of course, not all agree on this point. And because I have succumbed to the mask, I’m branded as a sell-out to the left. Our decision at Calvary Austin was not influenced by anyone’s political leanings. Personally, I’m about as apolitical as one can be. Neither party dictates where I stand on any issue. I have the Word of God for that. To quote a friend, I don’t follow the donkey or the elephant. I follow The Lamb.
One final misconception is - I must feel that face masks are the best way to go. In all honesty, I’m not 100% positive. A good case has been made for immune-herding. I would even be in favor of trying it. However, herding also takes cooperation from the masses, just as wearing face coverings does. For now, the chosen course is the dreaded mask. I do concede that arguments against it are as convincing as arguments for it. So far, the “for” sounds more compelling to me than the “against”. And as a pastor, I’m in no position to gamble with the lives of others. Nor are my fellow pastors. Therefore, we agree to the mask. Just for an hour. Once a week. On Sunday. I like to believe we’re helping. It can’t hurt to try.
Again, I don’t expect everyone will come to full agreement on every issue surrounding covid or masks. All I ask is that we be kind and not judge those who don’t share the same opinion. It’s time to dial up the love and to show humility, grace and understanding.
Agape,
P. Terry
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
