Church holds services; gets support, backlash

Congregations across Ohio have been encouraging worshippers to stay home and participate online to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Solid Rock Church held in-person services Sunday morning at its Warren County location.

“We are open!” the church posted this morning via Facebook, asking those who aren’t feeling well to watch services online. “Thankful the governor hasn’t placed restrictions on churches.”

That cha n ged Sunday when Gov. Mike DeWine announced at a press con- ference a stay-at-home order effective 11:59 p.m. today.

Asked by a reporter about a large church reported to still be conducting services, DeWine said his message to everyone is “this is serious.”

“When you’re coming togeth e r, that’s dan- gerous,” DeWine said. “I would implore ministers, priests, rabbis, think about your congregation. Catholic bishops in Ohio have closed all public services. Coming together in a large group is not a good idea. It is very, very dangerous.”

The Rev. Lawrence Bishop II, Solid Rock Church’s pastor, said during a livestream of the service that those concerned with the pub- lic’s health would be bet- ter served protesting outside Planned Parenthood locations instead.

The church is known nationwide for its iconic “Lux Mundi” statue of Jesus, and its predecessor, which was struck by lightning in June 2010.

While the church’s pews were not filled to capacity Sunday, the livestream of the service showed the church’s choir and congregants standing next to one another and those delivering remarks appeared to share micro- phones.

Later in the service, con- gregants and leaders prayed together, heads inclined toward one another, while sitting on steps leading to the stage. Some people could be seen shaking hands as the service ended.

Overt signs of social distancing did not seem to be present. As of the end of the service, the live broadcast had generated 305 reac- tions, 79 shares and scores of comments. The broadcast, along with its comments, were removed from Face- book immediately after the service.

Social media reacts

Supporters of Solid Rock commented on Facebook that Bishop was “fearless” and asked that “God bless him with boldness.”

Others said it was “more like reckless” and questioned “what’s bold about unnecessarily exposing people?

“Why would people of God put a congregation in danger like that?” one per- son wrote.

Another person urged the church to “stop putting your people at risk. You have the ability to go virtual. Please embrace it.”

This news organization reached out to Solid Rock for comment but did not receive a reply before deadline.