Perhaps overlooked by some as the state of Alabama is continuing its ban on religious gatherings in the name of mitigating the spread of COVID-19 is the financial harm inflicted on churches and other religious institutions.
However, this trend is not going unnoticed by State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills). In an appearance on Huntsville radio’s WVNN on Wednesday, Waggoner was not critical of the measures employed by the state on coronavirus other than to point out he heard from constituents about difficulties obtaining unemployment benefits.
Waggoner noted that by not allowing church gatherings, for the time being, parishioners are unable to offer in-person contributions to their churches, which was having an impact.
“We have not attended our regular church in the last eight weeks,” Waggoner said. “We’re watching it online like the vast majority of churchgoers in this country. They’re watching their church service online. But you know, there’s something about looking at your television and going to church. It just does not have the same feel. I miss seeing the people I sit next to at church on Sunday and the people I socialize with after at church. You know, it’s just not the same.”
“Yes, it has had an effect on our churches,” he continued. “And I’m sure all of the contributions are down. You know, there’s one thing mailing in or sending in online your contribution. But I’m sure many, many people have not contributed to their church in the last seven or eight weeks. Of course, a lot of people have. But it has had an effect on our religions in this country by not being able to go on Sunday to your church service where your fellow brethren are congregating. It has had an effect, and it is going to be a long-lasting effect.”
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly and host of Huntsville’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 2-5 p.m. on WVNN.
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