Regarding the two letters (“Regulations not infringing on religion,” May 10, TribLIVE; “Safety more important than open churches,” May 16, TribLIVE) responding to my letter (“Government shouldn’t keep us from church,” May 4, TribLIVE): I am a conservative, Christian patriot. I love God, family and country in that order.
The early founders of this “one country under God” traveled across the Atlantic Ocean so they could avoid religious persecution. No governor or no other politician has the right to stop anyone from going to church. They also do not have the right to force you to go to church. Both cases are a complete violation of the Constitution of the United States of America.
People would have the sense to stay home if they were ill, and they can stay home if they fear the virus, but if they love God they should not be banned from church, especially when we need all the help we can ask for in prayer to God.
Roosevelt was almost right when he said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself”: We have nothing to fear except the judgment of God. What good is being a Christian if you fear the government or a virus more than you fear what God thinks of leaders who ban you from church, and you stay away from the one who can save you?
If the two letter writers who are filled with fear are Christians, they better rethink their faith. If they are not Christian, then I understand their fear.
God, family, country!
The Rev. Tony Joseph
Johnstown
The writer is pastor of St. Stephen’s Orthodox Church, Latrobe.