Nothing is more important than respecting and protecting the God-given rights of every Texan. COVID-19 is not an excuse for government to trample on those rights. In fact, it is an opportunity for Texans to show the world that freedom is not just our birthright, it is the right way.

Fundamental to being a Texan and an American is the idea that we can govern ourselves effectively. It is in that spirit that Governor Abbott and I have released updated guidance for houses of worship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other states have taken a heavy-handed and, in some cases, discriminatory approach to restricting religious freedom during the outbreak. As Texans, we believe church leaders and congregations should be empowered to make decisions on how best to keep worshippers safe. The State should provide critical support and guidelines, not a one-size-fits-all edict for every house of worship.

In that spirit, we have updated the state’s guidance for houses of worship to both accommodate the rights of Texans and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Read the updated guidance HERE
Government and faith communities throughout Texas must work together to care for our neighbors and slow the spread of COVID-19. This updated guidance provides clear direction for houses of worship to protect the health and safety of their congregations as they continue to hold religious services, exercise religious liberty, and serve their faith communities.

We are each responsible for ourselves and accountable to each other. I will always put my trust in the good faith and common sense of my fellow Texans to exercise their rights while looking out for their neighbors, friends, families, and church communities.