PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. — After a war of words, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is suing the Legislative Coordinating Council’s decision to overturn her executive order banning groups to congregate in churches, especially with the concern of upcoming Easter services.
Five of the seven members on the council voted to nix the executive order on Wednesday. In a news release after learning of the lawsuit, the council said that Kansans "should not be arrested for practicing their faith."
Messages to several members of the council, asking them to explain their vote, were not returned to 41 Action News.
But many churches in the metro say they will still follow guidelines from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and not hold services on Sunday — or in the near future — because they say it's in the best interest of their members.
"We love our people and because we love them, we want to take care of them. We don’t want to do anything that would risk their safety,” said the Rev. Gayla Rapp, senior pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village.
Rapp was disappointed some churches still wanted to hold in-person services, despite the recommendations from health professionals.
"I was frankly stunned that there are churches deciding that they will still meet together," Rapp said. "I think that it is irresponsible; I think it shows a lack of respect for the value of human life."
Other churches agree that members should stay home and enjoy services from the comforts of their house.
"I believe that we’ve been trying to be a good partner for our public health partners, and it’s just so important right now for us to be able to take care of people and to do the right thing,” said Tim Chik, director of the Savior Pastoral Center for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Kelly said Thursday that she wants the Kansas Supreme Court to expedite the case as Easter is only days away.
