Utahns return to worship services

Given this week’s announcement that Utah churches, mosques and synagogues can begin to meet again, several have begun to do just that — albeit following strict rules about mask wearing, sanitation and social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On Friday morning, the majestic Cathedral of the Madeleine in downtown Salt Lake City celebrated Mass, heeding guidelines spelled out by the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, which oversees Utah’s more than 300,000 Catholics.

Hours later, Muslim worshippers gathered for prayers in Sandy at the Utah Islamic Center, marking spaces where believers could kneel down to pray, keeping 6 feet apart on alternate rows.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center in Sandy holds 10-minute prayers with increased spacing for the first time on Friday, May 8, 2020, since closing down for the coronavirus pandemic.

At least one evangelical pastor, the Rev. Craig McCune of New Creation Church in Sandy, is planning an in-person service on Sunday, with similar restrictions.

Other religious groups, notably the state’s predominant faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are waiting longer before reconvening.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Catholic parishioners observe morning Mass at Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 8, 2020, where a majority of the pews are taped off due to restrictions implemented to combat COVID-19.