More Houses Of Worship Offering Virtual Services In Wake Of COVID-19 Pandemic
GLENDALE (CBSLA) — Today marked the first Sunday since the stay-at-home order took effect throughout California and in Los Angeles County.
The order required places of worship to close their doors temporarily, but many have now turned to virtual services. Incarnation Catholic Church in Glendale was among those encouraging fellowship from afar.
Prior to the stay-at-home orders, churches and other places of worship tried to remain open, implementing precautionary measures such as limiting the number of individuals attending, and practicing social distancing.
"Our church is not the building, it's the people," Joe Chavez said. "Our message is to try to get them to watch the live stream. Of course we know we're competing against Pope Francis who has live stream every day but in our community, if we can get people to live stream, we keep them close to us."
Another parishioner, BK Coleman, says the adjustment is necessary and doesn't alter his faith.
"To me God is everywhere. So as long as you get your prayers in is all that matters," Coleman said.
L.A-area synagogues are also sharing communal prayer on Zoom, a remote communication service.
Online and TV religious services are nothing new, but local congregations expect their biggest numbers yet this weekend as the state remains under the stay at home order.
To date, Los Angeles County has 59 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 351. Two more people have died, bringing the death toll to four for Los Angeles County.
