Thread by @jackmjenkins

1. Biden was asked while leaving Mass on Sat whether folks can worship during the pandemic.

His reply: "Yes, safely."

But Biden didn't explain what that means—w/COVID cases spiking and the holidays weeks away—or how his approach will differ from Trump's. religionnews.com/2020/11/24/bid…

2. Indoor worship during the pandemic is a fraught topic this year: pastors have been arrested for flouting guidelines, people have staged massive protests, and Trump picked a fight w/governors over the issue.

Meanwhile, multiple outbreaks have been traced to faith gatherings.

3. Multiple health officials have cautioned against in-person worship — including at least one of the frontrunners for Biden's HHS secretary, Mandy Cohen.

Last month, she said: “If you can’t meet virtually ... meet outside, meet in smaller groups, and wear masks all the time."

4. As for Biden, the church where he attends Mass abides by very strict guidelines, but worships in person (which is why he was there, worshipping in person, when asked about the issue).

*No one* on his team or COVID task force would tell me if they had specific recommendations.

5. Trump's White House infamously held up CDC guidelines for houses of worship because they found them to be too restrictive, according to the Washington Post.

Again, entirely unclear if Biden's team would adjust those regulations, or plan to leave the debate up to states/towns.

6. Anyway, read the story for more.

This is not a small issue, and it's an interesting thing for Biden to wade in to. religionnews.com/2020/11/24/bid…