CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Three pastors spoke to a crowd of about 300 people Saturday (May 16) outside the New Hampshire State House in Concord, standing a few feet away from signs spelling out the prohibition on gatherings of 10 people or more. The event featured prayers, songs, and speeches from organizers of the ReOpenNH movement, which has criticized Republican Gov. Chris Sununu for issuing orders they believe infringe on their religious rights. Former state Rep. J.R. Hoell said he reminded the crowd that lawmakers also are to blame.
“They’re equally complicit in these rules because they haven’t undone them,” he said in a phone interview. “They were equally negligent in closing the state and they need to reopen it now.”
Sununu said the religious leaders he’s spoken to want to take things slowly.f
“We’re not telling people they can’t practice their religion,” he said Wednesday. “But they have to stay within guidelines of public health.”
As of Saturday, 2,217 people in New Hampshire had tested positive for the virus, an increase of 98 from the previous day. Twelve additional deaths were reported, bringing the total to 171.
David Berman (left) senior pastor for the Christian Life Fellowship Church in Swanzey, New Hampshire, and Andrew J. Manuse, chairman of ReOpenNH pray next to the sign temporarily banning gatherings of more than 10 people at the New Hampshire State House on May 16. (Geoff Forester/The Concord Monitor via AP)
Christian Canon Tutor (right) of All Saints Anglican Church speaks to a crowd of people from the State House steps on May 16. (Geoff Forester/The Concord Monitor via AP)
People gather on the State House grounds with Andrew J. Manuse, chairman of ReOpenNH (center) to celebrate church services along with three local pastors on May 16. (Geoff Forester/The Concord Monitor via AP)
