Radiant Church reopens after COVID closure that infected more than 50

A post on the website for Radiant Church said they were closing “out of an abundance of caution to keep our Radiant family and community safe.” That came after more than 50 people infected with COVID-19 were connected back to the church’s three campuses in Kalamazoo County.

On Monday morning, 12 days after they closed, the church reopened to prayer groups. It plans to resume regular services this weekend. That has some congregants worried the church isn’t taking precautions seriously, according to an article on MLive.

Church leaders say they are taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The church’s Richland campus, which holds 1,000 people, is limited to half-capacity. Staff conducts regular cleaning and every other pew is roped off to prevent people from sitting together.

However, masks are only required in the entry way and the sanctuary. Staff are required to wear masks elsewhere, but attendees are given the choice.

“What we were being told it sounded like they were doing everything right,” said Kellie Cody, a 71-year-old usher at the Richland campus. “I don’t think they’ve done anything right.”

Executive Pastor Rick Burmeister told MLive that they are taking precautions such as asking members from different households to sit away from each other. They have also done away with donation buckets and contact cards.

“We’re balancing our faith and our mission with safety and health,” he said.

You can read the full story here.