Hello Fellow Parents of FCS,

My name is Lauren Hartman, and my children attend Fellowship Christian for the first time this year. After a truly challenging 2020-21 school year in the midst of pandemic panic, FCS appealed to our family because we want to raise our children in fear and admonition of our Lord. The fact that the school was going to empower parents to make our own choices regarding health and wellness (mask use) was a breath of fresh air amongst the fear and panic plaguing our communities and consistent with a biblical worldview of parental stewardship.  As a result of the new policy in August, I appealed to the Board, citing the God given responsibility for our own children’s well-being and safety (Ephesians 6: 1-4).

Although FCS is under no legal obligation to follow county guidelines regarding mask use, obeying government authority was ultimately the reason behind requiring masks. Since Montgomery County lifted the mask requirement for public spaces, however, the Board is now relying on Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) guidance on mask use. This is alarming. If the Board is willing to align itself with the government schools, what are they willing to accept in the future as a requirement for participation at FCS? Will MCPS's off ramp for mask use be a mandated Covid shot for children? Will the Board of FCS follow suit? The Board should not be relying on county edicts, but should empower parents to evaluate health risks for their own children.

Additionally, as brothers and sisters in Christ, the Board should acknowledge people with various view points on this matter. The science on masks is not settled, and where there is risk there must be choice. In Romans 14, Paul explains Christian liberty as having a deep respect for others and differing viewpoints within a church body. Donning a face mask on a child is a personal decision and a conscious issue. The Board should lovingly let parents at FCS make masking their children a family decision; not doing so violates the conscience of parents and is antithetical to Christian liberty. 

Please consider joining me in lovingly appealing to the Board to change their mask policy. There is no legal obligation to require masks, and private schools have been given the blessing of choice. The choice to mask children should be given to parents, which is consistent with a biblical worldview of parental stewardship.