BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove and Senator Mike Morrell delivered a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to allow Houses of Worship to reopen as part of California's Stage 2.

In the letter, they write, "we would encourage you to consider adjusting your “Resilience Roadmap Stages” to include in-person religious services at houses of worship in Stage 2 of this plan rather than in Stage 3.

Stage 2 is part of California's "Resilience Roadmap Stages" which is set to start on Friday, May 8. Some businesses that are included in the state's early phase of Stage 2 include book stores, clothing stores, sporting goods, toy stores and florists, given they follow additional safety protocols.

"The stay-at-home order has been very difficult for individuals dealing with isolation, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and domestic violence," Grove said in a press release. "During this time when people are mourning lost loved ones and struggling in their everyday lives, it is more important than ever that houses of worship be open for millions of Californians to seek hope, encouragement, support, and healing."

The letter acknowledged that Stage 3 may be many weeks, if not months away.