DES MOINES, Iowa - A group of Iowa religious leaders is restating its vow to not congregate for church services ahead of Vice President Mike Pence's visit to the state.
Pence will be in Des Moines Friday, where he's expected to encourage in-person religious services. The Interfaith Alliance is opposed to the move. The Resident Bishop of Iowa for the Methodist Church, Bishop Laurie Haller said, “As our national leaders live in denial of the extent of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we stand strong in diligently practicing social distancing and refraining from in-house worship."
The group which includes 21 leaders from 10 denominations, has reissued its statement that took issue with Governor Kim Reynolds' order allowing religious services to resume on May 1st.
Pence is scheduled to meet with religious leaders and host a roundtable of agriculture and the food supply chain at Hy-Vee's headquarters Friday.