To Mask or Not to Mask? Lessons from the 16th Century

Here in my native Virginia, our governor issued an executive order effective May 29, requiring the wearing of masks in any public indoor setting, including church services. My own congregation, and most that I am acquainted with, cheerfully complied, but I know of others in the state that have defied the order as an intolerable violation of their religious liberty. Now, as coronavirus cases are spiking again in states that have refused to require masks, more cities and states are introducing similar ordinances, which is likely to provoke conflict among more restive churches.