Though churches around Iowa can once again hold public worship services, those in Perry are electing to continue social distancing in light of ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

Pastor Andrea Brownlee from First Christian Church, who serves as President of the Perry Ministerial Association, says the PMA met in April and decided that they would continue online worship through at least the end of May, regardless of any relaxing of restrictions by the state. She said the various congregations decided that it was still not safe or advisable to hold large gatherings until the threat has been declared sufficiently diminished.

Similarly, the Des Moines Catholic Diocese recently sent a memorandum to all parishes regarding their response to the lift of gathering restrictions. Starting May 21st, the Diocese will allow daily and weekly in-person Mass in many counties under their jurisdiction. However, Bishop William Joensen said in a statement that seven counties, including Dallas and Guthrie, are not permitted to hold public Mass due to a continuous increase in COVID-19 cases. As such, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Perry will remain closed to the public, except for individual appointments and small gatherings.

Anyone with questions about a particular congregation’s decision on public worship services is encouraged to reach out to the respective church.