Religious leaders in Pueblo said Wednesday they welcome looser COVID-19 restrictions on the amount of people that can attend services and are excited that the state is recognizing churches as essential operations.
The state dropped capacity limits for houses of worship on Monday following a November Supreme Court ruling in favor of two religious organizations that challenged New York's temporary restrictions on their gatherings.
The state is still urging churches to limit the number of people in attendance but dropped capacity caps.
“I am thrilled that they are considering churches as essential. We’ve experienced so many moments where people have not been able to go to church or have been restricted. Many of them have struggled in many, many ways as families, mental health and spiritual needs,” said Steve Chavez, pastor at Praise Assembly of God.