Albuquerque churches ask not to use masks

ALBUQUERQUE – A few days after the state of New Mexico again imposed an order for the use of masks in closed places to try to stop the contagion of Covid-19, some churches in Albuquerque are against that measure and ask their parishioners to go regardless of whether they are vaccinated, as well as whether they are free to protect their face or not.

Through social media, the Legacy and Citizen churches shared their Sunday sermons where they talked about the use of masks and ensured that everyone is welcome at their meetings.

Even Legacy Church pastor Steve Smothermon called on his parishioners to boycott gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s decision, as well as the New Mexico State Fair.

At the beginning of his homily, he expressed that he prays for everyone to be healthy, but moments later he said he was against the governor on various issues, such as supporting homosexuality.

Then he asked the parishioners not to go to the Fair where they are required to present proof of vaccination, so that is the way to peacefully protest against the measure.

He exhorted her believers not to use the masks, as well as “ignore her and her commands.”

He asked the community to completely ignore the protocols against Covid-19 in the state, even if it is necessary, not to be vaccinated, because that is their decision.

During the broadcast, it was not observed that the pastor, his assistants, musicians or members of the community, used masks or kept a social distancing.

Dustin Woodward, pastor at Citizen Church, said it was not his or his church’s job to give messages to beware of the Coronavirus.

When speaking with his parishioners, he was clear in stating that everyone was welcome to the church, vaccinated or not, even if they wanted to use a mask or not, there was no problem for them.

As is known, last week Governor Lujan Grisham reported that from that week until September 15, the use of face masks would be mandatory in the state in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19, mainly due to the appearance of the Delta variant.

He said that the decision was made to use the mask to stop infections, because the last thing he wants is to stop activities, which has a negative impact on the state and its inhabitants.