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[–]NorfolkTerrier 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

A lot of low-income elderly people are frequent churchgoers, and they don't always have internet or computers. Many churches also minister to the homeless and other vulnerable communities, again many of which do not have a way to view online services. Saying "just use the computer lol" isn't going to cut it for everyone.

Personally I don't think watching a video is the same as going to church anyway, the in-person participatory aspect is key to worship. That's setting aside direct community aid like you mentioned. It's okay if you disagree, but it shouldn't matter what we think, since the First Amendment guarantees freedom of assembly and religious exercise. If the government can decide that letting people watch a Facebook stream counts as fulfilling the obligation to religious freedom, I'm not sure religious freedom means anything at all. You could shut it down for any reason at that point.

For the record I don't think it's the government's job to shut down liquor stores either. Just pointing out how skewed the priorities have gotten. I also think churches should take precautions that are appropriate for them.