A growing number of churches are defying Provincial health restrictions banning large indoor gatherings during the pandemic. Their pastors say a ban on attending religious service violates worshippers’ constitutional rights. They believe it’s vital that church followers be allowed freedom of fellowship, freedom to participate in corporate worship and freedom to donate in conscience to support their church and faith. Several B.C. churches have been fined multiple times after continuing to ignore violation warnings. They remain firm that the necessity of worship overrides obedience to health orders. An Alberta church has even launched a court challenge.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney responded that the golden rule for all religions is to take care of others, and churches that defy health orders are behaving irresponsibly and putting their communities at risk. Of concern is that masks and social distancing are not compulsory in churches.
The Provincial Government’s’ position is that the primary purpose of the ban is not to interfere with the right to practice one’s religion, but to prohibit large gatherings to prevent the spread of the virus for the overall health and safety of the public.
It’s been suggested that churches consider holding their services through video platforms and social media. However, pastors defying provincial health mandates believe personal church attendance is more important.
What do you think?
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