Holcomb Supports Local, County Governments Delaying Religious Services Exception

Gov. Eric Holcomb says he fully supports county and local governments delaying worship services in the state, following Marion and Monroe counties extending their “Stay-At-Home” orders. 

Religious services statewide will be allowed to reopen on Friday, as long as they observe social distancing.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Marion County would have no exceptions to social distancing guidelines for religious services, joining Monroe County. 

Holcomb says he fully supports the move, and believes it was the right call for Indianapolis.

"I’m not going to second-guess the mayor’s decision. I’m going to say it was the right decision for Marion County," Holcomb says. "I totally understand where he’s coming from and support it."

READ MORE: Greater Lafayette Faith Leaders Respond To The Possibility Of In-Person Services

He says local and county governments are going to make decisions based on the needs of their communities, and the state will not stand in the way of that.

“Put that in Marion County, I’m going to support the mayor. Put that in Lake County, I’m going to support all the mayors up in Lake County if they make a different decision,” Holcomb says.

Holcomb says as religious services reopen, he’s still encouraging people in high-risk groups to stay home and religious leaders to stream services. 

Contact Lauren at lchapman@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @laurenechapman_.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana State Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.