Noting that "liquor stores and abortion clinics" were allowed to stay open is a straw man. Regardless of your beliefs, the federal government agrees that both of these treat actual medical conditions. Worship does not treat a medical condition (unless you pray the COVID away) 1/

Before someone says "liquor stores don't treat anything" let me set that straight. The federal government recognizes alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal as diseases. Cutting off access to liquor will move many addicts into immediate withdrawal. 2/

Alcohol is a drug and the government regulates who can and cannot sell it. It also regulates who can and cannot buy it, consume it, and where. The government does no such thing for churches, pastors, or religious gatherings. 3/

Abortion also treats a medical condition (pregnancy) whether or not you agree with the how. The government recognizes this as well by restricting who can perform an abortion and where. It's arguably the most regulated outpatient medical procedure in some states. 4/

The government places no such restrictions on churches. You don't need a special degree to start a church (@iamjohnoliver did it FFS) or apply for a "church license." Note: I understand like any building churches require an occupancy permit - don't straw man this. 5/

Trump knows he's being disingenuous here, but he's playing to his base. Pastors know you can pray from home. They can deliver sermons virtually. But we all know that you don't get the same sense of community virtually and that's DEFINITELY impacting the offering plate. 6/

I think what you have here are religious leaders calling saying "we're in financial trouble, help us or we won't help you in November." Call me cynical, but I really do think that's the biggest factor. 7/

For the record, I don't think you can safely hold in-person religious services right now. When governors are ready to reopen conference venues of the same sizes, then game on - open churches too. This is about science, not religion. /FIN