The MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason has questioned churches who've closed for public worship.
The member for the SNP suggested that parishioners should "take risks and trust in Jesus".
Writing on Facebook, he said: "I think this is the wrong decision. People may be looking for help and support and the obvious place to go is the local church…surely we should be bold, take risks, and trust in Jesus?"
The post was written on Sunday night, hours before Nicola Sturgeon announced new measures including minimal social contact by avoiding crowded areas and large gatherings, including religious congregations.
Mason had been criticised by health secretary Jeane Freeman after he initially announced that his constituency office would remain open to the public - despite government calls for greater social distancing and people to work from home wherever possible.
He said on Monday that was changing. Speaking to Premier, he said: "Due to mounting media coverage and pressure, we will be closing the constituency office this evening.
"All the barbers and vaping shops are still open, which I don't quite understand. But we will be closing this evening, as the expectation is to do so."
