Mayor Matthew Moench today directed Bridgewater Office of Emergency Management Coordinator, Sergeant Jamie Edwards, to conduct outreach, issue clear guidance, and provide assistance to all religious institutions in the Township to allow them to immediately begin conducting for safe and practical religious worship. Several institutions are expected to begin conducting outdoor religious services this weekend, including St. Bernard’s Church and Blessed Sacrament Church. Both institutions have been in touch with the Bridgewater Police Department to properly plan and prepare for their services.

“Freedom of religious expression is one of the pillars that this country and this community are based upon,” said Moench. “I, as Mayor, and we, as a Township, will make every accommodation possible to allow for these activities to proceed in an, albeit, modified fashion.”

Initial outreach to religious institutions began this week and will continue in the days and weeks to come. Bridgewater Township is the home to approximately 20 houses of worship of several denominations.

Moench added, “Now, more than ever, residents should be permitted to find comfort and community within their religious institutions. Religious institutions play a key role within our community and I am committed to working with these organizations to ensure they are available to meet the religious needs of our residents in a safe, legal manner.”