Transform Minnesota’s Statement on Churches Reopening

Our hearts long to gather in sanctuaries again and worship with fellow believers. However, this anticipation and excitement needs to be balanced with the needs of public health. Two weeks ago, Transform Minnesota and nine evangelical leaders submitted a plan to Governor Walz for safely opening churches, and we have remained in dialogue with his office. 

Many churches are prepared and able to resume public worship safely and are hoping to begin a gradual reopen on June 1. Others have already announced they will not reopen until later this summer. Each church will have the responsibility of continued assessment of preparedness and ability to balance fellowship with public health guidelines and recommendations.  

“We recognize the frustration on both ends, but we were caught off guard by the strict limits on public worship that the Governor announced this week,” says Carl Nelson, President of Transform Minnesota. “Spiritual life is critical for the overall wellbeing of many Minnesotans.” 

A growing number of evangelical churches are following the lead of the Catholic and Lutheran Church and plan to reopen soon. Just as we are seeing innovative and cautious measures from local business leaders as they reopen their doors, we are confident that churches will take all reasonable measures to protect the community’s health and safety.  

Transform Minnesota encourages Governor Walz to continue working with religious leaders to develop plans to safely reopen houses of worship in Minnesota.