This statement was made by Walz as the governor of Minnesota on April 7, 2020, as part of the state's public health guidance during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was not intended as an anti-church remark.
In August 2024, Snopes readers asked us whether Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz once said: "Gathering in large numbers in the church, we simply don't want that happening."
In short, because Walz did indeed say, "gathering in large numbers in the church, we simply don't want that happening," we rated this claim as "Correct Attribution." However, it was shared without context. The Minnesota governor was speaking about public health guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic and was not expressing an anti-church sentiment.
On April 7, 2020, KARE 11, a television station licensed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, published an article featuring Walz's quote (emphasis in bold ours):
Walz also clarified that while the "Stay at Home" order considers faith workers essential, it does not exempt church gatherings.
"I know that there is a sense of fellowship that goes with these," he acknowledged. He said they are looking for creative ways to continue some religious gatherings, including using outdoor spaces and keeping distance among people.
"I would reiterate to people again gathering in large numbers in the church, we simply don't want that happening," he said.
The statement also appeared in footage of the April 7 daily coronavirus briefing published on KARE 11's YouTube channel (Walz's comments can be heard at 26:40).
Walz told Minnesotans he was working with religious leaders to find solutions for worshipping during the pandemic, but he didn't want people gathering in large numbers in church as it could be dangerous:
I know the temptation, especially around these important holidays. We are trying to work with religious leaders to figure out ways that we can make sure [...] that we have that sense of fellowship and worship but without having people put in danger. So I would reiterate to people again, gathering in large numbers in the church, we simply don't want that happening . That part of the order. We do want you to figure out ways that we can continue to exercise your religious freedoms in any way you choose, that doesn't endanger the safety of others.
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