Some Kansas churches go on as scheduled, despite ban on religious gatherings of more than 10 people

Several churches across Kansas made the decision go to on as scheduled, despite an order issued by Gov. Laura Kelly banning religious services of more than 10 people for Easter Sunday.A small service went on as scheduled at Saint Luke's Lutheran Church on North 10th Street in Kansas City, Kansas. The group held its gathering outside in a field north of the church.One man said he drove all the way to Kansas City from Topeka to take part in the celebration. "The resurrection of Jesus is the most important day of the year," said worshipper Jeff Stuart. "So I thought it would be a good time to worship with a group that was coming up with a creative solution."People participating in the service were told to stand 6 feet apart, and no physical interaction was allowed during worship. The Associated Press reports Pastor Aaron Harris of Calvary Baptist Church in Junction City told The Wichita Eagle that about 21 people attended his Easter Sunday service. The church seats 300.The Lawrence Journal-World reports 40 vehicles were observed outside the Heritage Baptist Church in Douglas County on Sunday.The Rev. Scott Hanks told the Lawrence Journal-World that "God wants us to have church."Hanks said he was aware of the order and made the decision to hold church anyway, saying worshippers observed social distancing guidelines and that the service did not put worshippers or the community at risk. It's unclear how the governor's order, intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, will be enforced. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt told police not to arrest or charge anyone for violating the order.

Several churches across Kansas made the decision go to on as scheduled, despite an order issued by Gov. Laura Kelly banning religious services of more than 10 people for Easter Sunday.

A small service went on as scheduled at Saint Luke's Lutheran Church on North 10th Street in Kansas City, Kansas.


The group held its gathering outside in a field north of the church.

One man said he drove all the way to Kansas City from Topeka to take part in the celebration.

"The resurrection of Jesus is the most important day of the year," said worshipper Jeff Stuart. "So I thought it would be a good time to worship with a group that was coming up with a creative solution."

People participating in the service were told to stand 6 feet apart, and no physical interaction was allowed during worship.

The Associated Press reports Pastor Aaron Harris of Calvary Baptist Church in Junction City told The Wichita Eagle that about 21 people attended his Easter Sunday service. The church seats 300.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports 40 vehicles were observed outside the Heritage Baptist Church in Douglas County on Sunday.

The Rev. Scott Hanks told the Lawrence Journal-World that "God wants us to have church."

Hanks said he was aware of the order and made the decision to hold church anyway, saying worshippers observed social distancing guidelines and that the service did not put worshippers or the community at risk.

It's unclear how the governor's order, intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, will be enforced. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt told police not to arrest or charge anyone for violating the order.