Faith leaders call on Gov. Kim Reynolds to implement mask mandate
Representatives of central Iowa’s Christian, Muslim and Sikh faiths joined the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Monday in delivering a petition with more than 800 signatures to Gov. Kim Reynolds' office.
The petition calls for a mask mandate in Iowa -- something 33 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have done in the wake of COVID-19.
Members of the Interfaith Alliance said during a news conference that their faiths call on them to ask Gov. Kim Reynolds for stronger mask requirements.
The group said it believes wearing masks is not only the right thing to do, but an act of faith.
“Caring for others, even and especially strangers and enemies, is an outward and practical sign of our caring for God,” said Rev. Brigit Stevens, executive conference minister of the United Church of Christ. “My mask protects you. Your mask protects me.”
The director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa acknowledged that many people in more conservative denominations have a different view on the issue but said some in the evangelical community backed the petition.
vlog contacted the Office of the Governor for comment but did not hear back.
Reynolds previously said she believes Iowans are responsible enough to wear masks on their own and that a mandate is not necessary.