The title and argument in the article assumes a lot.
Trump is not pushing any church to reopen. He is taking the stand that under the 1st Amendment, no one, no government official of any rank can order a church closed. That would violate the free exercise clause.
Secondly, it seems there is an attitude that churches will not do this “smart” and safe by implementing the proper social distancing and protection of their more vulnerable congregants.
Churches can open safely and be good neighbors. I think that scares seculars and some government officials because they can’t control it. The government can’t control all the BBQs going on this weekend as well. That scares some when they don’t have absolute control.
I attend a church of 50 or so adult members with a lot of children. We will have services starting next Sunday. The pastoral team has done a good job preparing for this. Instead of our one service we will have three. Seating will be spread out according to the CDC guidelines. Sanitation before and after each service. We will continue on line services for those who are at high risk.
As good neighbors we have followed the lead of the state of Texas at every turn.
Meeting in person to worship and fellowship with other believers is essential to our Christian faith. We are one body in Christ Jesus. Many of the saints before us lost their lives, were tortured and imprisoned because they met together to worship.