A statewide group of clergy including several from western Massachusetts want churches recognized as essential and included in the first phase of reopening on May 18th.
They say they are prepared to take extraordinary care and precaution by following social distancing guidelines.
The group of faith leaders say they are disappointed that marijuana dispensaries, liquor stores and abortion clinics were deemed essential during the COVID-19 shutdown but that churches were not.
The Governor's Task Force designing the reopening of the state is expected to hear from religious leaders Saturday.