Mask illustration.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Some religious leaders have joined together to urge Sioux Falls City Council to approve a mask mandate to fight COVID-19.
SD Synod Evangelical Lutheran Bishop Constanze Hagmaier says it’s the Christian thing to do.
“This would not infringe on the freedom given to us as God’s children, but it would help us to live out our Christian calling to love our neighbor.”
The faith leaders argue that masks help protect others from getting the disease and that a mandate would protect that many more people.
Also speaking at the joint news conference: The Rev. Dr. Christine Ohara, SD Faith in Public Life, and Sioux Falls Pediatrician Dr. Shannon Emry.
City Council is expected to make a final decision on the mask mandate at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Mayor Paul TenHaken opposes a mandate, saying it would be unenforceable.
City Councilor Kurt Soehl is spearheading the push for the mandate.
