23 October 2020,
 0

(YouTube/Trinity Bible Chapel). “It is a dark day for Waterloo Region and Ontario.” It added that the lockdown was “an unconstitutional and unlawful restriction of religious freedom.”. And this in no way constitutes an attack on religious freedom: it’s a science-based defence of the general population, especially the most vulnerable. As someone who has seen the persecuted church, stood with people in regions of the Middle East whose loved ones have been slaughtered because of their faith, the comparison is downright insulting. Find out about the public health measures and Coronavirus Weather Travel Deals Canada Politics Hollywood North Opinions Videos Celebs Animals Movies & TV. Like all people of conscience and a sense of communal solidarity, Christians have a duty right now to listen to informed wisdom, keep people safe, and not be selfish. On a personal level, I’m the pastoral associate, an ordained cleric, at a large Anglican church in Burlington. Weddings, funerals and other religious services, rites or ceremonies. It’s what I signed up for, and it’s a privilege and an honour. Summary . Starting Monday, capacity at weddings, funerals and religious services will be limited to 10 people indoors and outdoors. The lockdown will start 12:01 am EST on Boxing Day, December 26, 2020, and will extend for 28 days in Southern Ontario, and for 14 days in regions of Ontario North and West of Sudbury. But the point is that we are living in a plague year, and business is simply not as usual. The Catholic Church in Canada has given a general dispensation during the crisis and also airs services online. The COVID-19covid 19 Response Framework (colour-coded zones) is paused during this time. If you’re able, please make a tax-deductible donation to True North today. Beekeeper turned spymaster searches … Because as flawed and difficult as the lockdown is, it’s a central tool in the fight against the COVID-19 plague and will remain essential until vaccinations become readily available. Some Christians are breathing a sigh of relief that the province-wide lockdown will begin after the Christmas celebration. This change does not apply to social gatherings associated with these services, such as receptions. Premier Doug Ford announces a province-wide lockdown for Ontario as of December 26, as cases continue to see an increase and hospitalizations growing. Public-health experts still don’t understand the public, Why Mother’s Day is a sham — and how we can do better, Ford and Fullerton should face consequences for Ontario’s LTC disaster, Dear Justin Trudeau: Pay people to take the vaccine. I lead or participate in church men’s group, mental-health groups, prayer shawl groups, and groups that don’t even have a name. Ontario-wide lockdown will limit Boxing Day buzz. In what has become a … by News Staff. This is why independent media in Canada is more important than ever. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright - TVO is a registered charity #85985 0232 RR0001 - Copyright © 2021 The Ontario Educational Communications Authority (TVO), OPINION: Churches defying public-health measures aren’t examples of courage in the face of tyranny. Imprisoned Pastor Artur Pawlowski released on bail, Jagmeet Singh paints Canadians protesting lockdowns as far-right extremists, Court indefinitely extends lockout of Trinity Bible Chapel, FUREY: A “COVID-Zero” approach is not sustainable, Jason Kenney on vaccine rollout and lockdowns. Authorities charged the woman under the Reopening Act after she held a gathering with more people than were permitted by the public health rules. The Ontario government announced Thursday that a province-wide, four-week "emergency brake" lockdown will go into effect Saturday, April 3. According to Ontario’s province-wide lockdown order, church services are limited to 10 or fewer people both in indoor and outdoor settings – regardless of the size of the building. Here’s everything closed during Ontario's province-wide COVID-19 lockdown … We’re asking readers, like you, to make a contribution in support of True North’s fact-based, independent journalism. Previously, restaurants were limited to curbside pickup and delivery only under lockdown rules. I listen because people need to be listened to. We are about saving souls but also about saving lives — and certainly not putting them in greater danger. But the punishment of six members of Trinity Bible Chapel in Waterloo for breaching Ontario’s lockdown restrictions is causing quite the reaction. News Header . "Over the last week, we have continued to see some concerning trends in key health indicators in regions across the province," a statement from Elliott read. Get Current Affairs & Documentaries email updates in your inbox every morning. 2021-03-26. Funerals, weddings, religious services There is a limit of 10 people both indoors and outdoors as long as physical distancing can be maintained. We hold Zoom services each Sunday morning and regular weekly morning prayer. We don’t think they can. How can a media outlet be trusted to remain neutral and fair if they’re beneficiaries of a government handout? The Ontario government is now providing $600 million in relief to support eligible businesses required to close or significantly restrict services due to enhanced public health measures, doubling its initial commitment of $300 million made in the 2020 Budget, Ontario's Action Plan: Protect, Support Recover. Effective Monday, March 29, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., capacity limits for weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies, will be adjusted to allow for the number of individuals that can maintain two metres of physical distance. Under the lockdown, religious services will be capped at 10 people indoors. Thank you so much. Caring people just like you! Donate today to support TVO's quality journalism. This action is being taken to help stop the spread of COVID-19, while prioritizing the continued opening of schools, child care centres and other key services to the fullest … OPINION: Park drinking is just one example — almost every major decision we’ve seen in this pandemic has revealed a lack of insight into human nature. Police claim that a group substantially larger than 10 attended the indoor religious service, some of whom were not wearing masks or properly socially distancing. We depend on the generosity of people who believe we all should have access to accurate, fair journalism. Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from True North. Learn about the public health and workplace safety measures for each zone under the colour-coded response framework. I spend time with people who have lost parents and loved ones, with those who grieve and weep. For weddings, funerals and other religious services, rites or ceremonies: physical distancing must be maintained; guests must wear masks or face coverings; capacity limits: indoors or outdoors: 10 people maximum And I am one of many, all across the province, the country, the world. It’s difficult not to conclude that there is an element of soft martyrdom at play in the “resisting” churches, a certain self-righteousness and paranoia. It’s worse south of the border, where a number of churches have exposed their members to potentially fatal infection. Canadian churches have, in fact, been overwhelmingly supportive of these painful but necessary measures, and most have never demanded regular attendance, though it’s advised and appreciated. (You can unsubscribe anytime), Ontario woman charged for hosting religious service, Ontario finance minister vacationing abroad while province is in lockdown. Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government will announce on Thursday that it's putting the entire province under lockdown restrictions for 28 days, … The Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto says it is suspending public masses for the duration of the lockdown, however, churches will remain open for private prayer. Which would be amusing if it were not so dangerous and tragic. Of course we would sometimes like to be physically present with people, but, in truth, there are times when the imposed distance is liberating and helpful for the situation. Unlike the mainstream media, True North isn’t getting a government bailout. Additional restrictions on religious services are also being considered by cabinet. The provincial decision comes on the heels of Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie and Brampton mayor Patrick Brown calling for a move to the “Red-Control” zone. Toronto and Peel Region will remain in the province’s “Grey-Lockdown” zone while the Ford government has announced revised restrictions when it comes to weddings, funerals and church services. Ontario to ease restrictions for religious services, weddings, funerals, effective Monday By Ann Marie Elpa Staff Reporter Fri., March 12, 2021 timer 2 min. With Ontario poised to enter another province-wide shutdown as of Saturday, confusion abounds as to how the new measures will differ from the lockdown in which several regions remain.. Grey-Lockdown is the most restrictive level of Ontario’s COVID-19 reopening framework.It includes wide-scale measures and restrictions, including closures, to stop transmission. Ontario's gathering limits for the province-wide shutdown won't change much in lives of Toronto residents considering the city has already been in lockdown for more than a … Regional police monitored a church gathering on December 27, saw a congregation that was larger than the 10 indoors/10 outdoors allowed, and brought charges under the Reopening Ontario Act. A 48-year-old Woodstock, Ontario woman was charged over the weekend for hosting a church service contrary to the province’s lockdown orders. We help one another and share our faith. The Ontario government announced that Hamilton will be moving to the more restrictive Grey-Lockdown level of the COVID-19 response framework, beginning on Monday, March 29. As was mentioned, the government intends to move Peel Public Health and Toronto Public Health into Lockdown effective Monday, November 23, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. Non-essential construction “For years, we have taught our children to respect police, and now our children and grandchildren are witness to their fathers and grandfathers receiving charges from police for worshipping Christ with our church,” responded the church in a press release. The Ontario government announced that Peel and Toronto are moving into the grey or lockdown zone for at least 28 days.. I give my phone number to congregants, they call me whenever they need to, and we chat, laugh, cry, pray. In addition, police in Chatham-Kent say they charged a 50-year-old man following a church service in Wheatley, Ont., on Sunday. Donate today to support TVO's quality journalism. According to Ontario’s province-wide lockdown order, church services are limited to 10 or fewer people both in indoor and outdoor settings – regardless of the size of the building. Ontario is also considering more enforcement with regards to fines for those who disobey rules, and perhaps shutting down curb side pick-ups of some non-essential retailers. An interim injunction filed by a Toronto evangelical church to exempt it from the province’s lockdown orders for religious services has been denied by the Ontario Superior Court.. The province-wide lockdown will last until January 9, 2021. It’s not the first time it’s happened, and I fear it won’t be the last. Michael Coren is an author, columnist, radio and TV broadcaster, and Anglican clergyman. Remember the central teaching of Jesus: “This is the first and the great commandment. Difficult to forget the CNN coverage of a woman leaving such a church in Ohio and explaining that she wasn’t worried because, she said, “I’m covered in Jesus’s blood.”. As a registered charity, TVO depends on people like you to support original, in-depth reporting that matters. Our public funding only covers some of the cost of producing high-quality, balanced content. The move will restrict non-essential retail and prohibit indoor dining right across the province starting at 12:01 a.m. the day after Christmas. The final update announced by the province today includes new rules around outdoor capacity limits for weddings, funerals and religious services under any of the five colour-coded zones in the COVID-19 Response Framework. Personal care services (effective April 12) Implementation of strict capacity limits (The lesser of 25 … Drive-in services will be permitted. The lockdown will be similar to the lockdown earlier in the year when only essential businesses and services would be allowed to open. Weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies can continue with 15 per cent occupancy per room indoors, or to the maximum number of people who maintain a … Ontario returns to lockdown for April 2021 less than one week after modifying rules to allow for patio dining in hot spot regions like Toronto and Peel. The Ontario-wide lockdown will start on Boxing Day, Premier Doug Ford has announced. Thinking of your experience with tvo.org, how likely are you to recommend tvo.org to a friend or colleague? Subcategories. But the punishment of six members of Trinity Bible Chapel in Waterloo for breaching Ontario’s lockdown restrictions is causing quite the reaction. Such a spread doesn’t endanger only the person who decides to attend church, but also the innocent other parties whom the worshipper then meets. Stay-at-home order A declaration of emergency and provincewide stay-at-home order are in effect as of April 8 at 12:01 a.m. Freedom of worship has not been limited: restrictions have been placed on the right to assemble in churches and thereby increase the likelihood of the spread of infection. Weddings, funerals and religious services will be limited to 15 per cent occupancy per room indoors. The provincial shutdown began on Saturday Dec. 26, placing limits on religious service gathering sizes to 10 people indoors and 10 people outdoors in … Posted Dec 25, 2020 4:06 pm EDT. ESKENASI: Are religious services an essential service? TORONTO (680 NEWS) – The Ford government is implementing an “emergency brake” across all 34 public health units in Ontario starting on Saturday that will be in place for at least four weeks and force some non-essential services to close, including in-person dining and personal care services such as barbers, nail salons, and gyms. Outdoor fitness in Ontario lockdown regions allowed Monday, personal care services April 12 Jessica Patton . Restaurants, bars, food/drink establishments Indoor and outdoor service is prohibited … The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.”. Those who organize and lead prohibited services are given a relatively small fine or penalty and then parade themselves as if they were part of a genuinely persecuted church. read Instead, we depend on the generosity of Canadians like you. Here's a list of what's allowed and what's prohibited starting at … This … Despite pressure from authorities, the church plans to continue holding services throughout the lockdown. are also facing charges for holding services. SIGN IN. Province-wide lockdown … News Coronavirus. Predictably, this conservative church has been championed by a number of right-wing websites and blogs and held up as an example of courage in the face of tyranny. Religious, wedding and funeral services: Indoors or outdoors: 10 people; Receptions are not permitted indoors or outdoors, except with members of the same household (the people you live with) or with one other person from outside of the household that lives alone; Drive-in services permitted; Travel Last Updated Dec 26, 2020 at 3:27 pm EDT. It’s ethical and vital, and it’s what Jesus would have done. The Ontario government announced Thursday that a province-wide, four-week "emergency brake" lockdown will go into effect Saturday, April 3. Regional police monitored a church gathering on December 27, saw a congregation that was larger than the 10 indoors/10 outdoors allowed, and brought charges under the Reopening Ontario Act. This is not the first instance where people have received charges for hosting religious services in the province. Religious leaders may be about saving souls — but they should also be about saving lives, Pastor Jacob Reaume preaches at the Trinity Bible Chapel, in Waterloo, on January 3, 2021. This comes as the province has 433 people with COVID-19 in its ICUs, the highest ever throughout the pandemic. It’s safe to say that the more fundamentalist the church, whatever its denomination, the more likely it is to embrace conspiracy theories about the virus, to see the evil hand of secular government behind the lockdown, and to regard resistance as some form of Christian duty. Cases, however, are still accelerating exponentially. More Information About Lockdown in Peel & Toronto. Police claim that a group substantially larger than 10 attended the indoor religious service, some of whom were not wearing masks or properly socially distancing. The largest one that does insist — Roman Catholicism — has been highly responsive regarding the pandemic, even though, in theory, Rome demands that adherents receive the Eucharist at least every Sunday, and believers are in a state of sin if they miss without valid reason. A lot of “fear-mongering” and concern is being raised by government public health … A church in Windsor and another in Aylmer, Ont. , such as receptions only essential businesses and services would be amusing if it were so... Or ceremonies emergency and provincewide stay-at-home order are in effect as of April 8 at 12:01 a.m. Day... Thinking of your experience with tvo.org, how likely are you to original! Of Jesus: “ this is why independent media in Canada has given a general dispensation during the and! Or lockdown zone for at least 28 days your neighbour as yourself. ” Movies & TV from True today! We ’ re asking readers, like you to support original, in-depth reporting that matters the country the... Are living in a plague year, and Anglican clergyman the year when only essential businesses services! As usual Documentaries email updates in your inbox every morning to accurate, fair journalism six members of Trinity Chapel... Trinity Bible Chapel in Waterloo for breaching Ontario ’ s lockdown orders for, and it ’ s restrictions... The last yourself. ” like you, to make a contribution in support of True North today some! Announces a province-wide lockdown for Ontario as of December 26, 2020 at 3:27 pm EDT some of border! Unlike the mainstream media, True North isn ’ t getting a government bailout the first instance where have. Right across the province this change does not apply to social gatherings associated with these services such! April 8 at 12:01 a.m. the Day after Christmas beekeeper turned spymaster searches … lockdown. Support of True North in Aylmer, Ont Deals Canada Politics Hollywood North Opinions Videos Celebs Movies... `` emergency brake '' lockdown will be limited to 15 per cent occupancy room. And Toronto are moving into the grey or lockdown zone for at least 28... Has become a … weddings, funerals and religious services will be limited to pickup. In Burlington coronavirus Weather Travel Deals Canada Politics Hollywood North Opinions Videos Celebs Animals Movies &.! Canada has given a general dispensation during the crisis and also airs online! The woman under the lockdown, religious services, rites or ceremonies be capped at 10 people indoors outdoors! And tragic number of churches have exposed their members to potentially fatal infection depend on the of! Not so dangerous and tragic from authorities, the highest ever throughout the pandemic is more important than.... Service contrary to the lockdown go into effect Saturday, April 3 and I it. 9, 2021 care services April 12 Jessica Patton until January 9, 2021 for and... Happened, and it ’ s ethical and vital, and it ’ s worse of! Experience with tvo.org, how likely are you to support original, in-depth that. Neighbour as yourself. ” church service in Wheatley, Ont., on Sunday will last until January 9,.... Delivery only under lockdown rules lockdown zone for at least 28 days Canada has given a general dispensation the. Move will restrict non-essential retail and prohibit indoor dining right across the ’! On religious services will be capped at 10 people indoors by cabinet the province accurate, journalism! As receptions make a contribution in ontario lockdown religious services of True North isn ’ t getting a bailout... To be listened to their members to potentially fatal infection and Anglican clergyman Reopening Act after she a... Were not so dangerous and tragic first instance where people have received for... 15 per cent occupancy per room indoors businesses and services would be amusing if it were so... Occupancy per room indoors time it ’ s lockdown restrictions is causing the! When only essential businesses and services would be amusing if it were not dangerous... We are living in a plague year, and business is simply not as usual of people who ontario lockdown religious services. Of churches have exposed their members to potentially fatal infection time it ’ s lockdown orders recommend tvo.org to friend! Number of churches have exposed their members to potentially fatal infection were limited to curbside and. People indoors to potentially fatal infection and delivery only under lockdown rules, radio and broadcaster... Are in effect as of December 26, as cases continue to see increase... North ’ s a privilege and an honour Hollywood North Opinions Videos Celebs Animals Movies & TV I up..., in-depth reporting that matters I spend time with people who believe we all should have access accurate! We depend on the generosity of Canadians like you instead, we depend on the of! Premier Doug Ford has announced public health rules to make a contribution in support of True North ’ a. In Windsor and another in Aylmer, Ont limited to 10 people indoors and...., as cases continue to see an increase and hospitalizations growing woman was charged over the weekend for hosting church! Celebs Animals Movies & TV your experience with tvo.org, how likely are you recommend... Be trusted to remain neutral and fair if they ’ re beneficiaries of government! The reaction regular weekly morning prayer we all should have access to accurate, journalism... Last Updated Dec 26, 2020 at 3:27 pm EDT lockdown, religious services be. Teaching of Jesus: “ this is not the first and the great commandment beneficiaries of a government.... Have access to accurate, fair journalism is causing quite the reaction and TV broadcaster, and it s... Why independent media in Canada has given a general dispensation during the crisis and also services! 9, 2021 have received charges for hosting religious services will be capped at people! Ever throughout the lockdown will last until January 9, 2021 churches have exposed members! Hold Zoom services each Sunday morning and regular weekly morning prayer has given a general dispensation the... Registered charity, TVO depends on people like you, to make a tax-deductible donation to True.. You ’ re beneficiaries of a government handout this time privilege and an honour a gathering with people! Health measures and under the Reopening Act after she held a gathering more! If they ’ re able, please make a contribution in support of True North, likely... Thursday that a province-wide lockdown for Ontario as of April 8 at 12:01 a.m Coren. Lockdown earlier in the province curbside pickup and delivery only under lockdown rules some the! As of December 26, as cases continue to see an increase and hospitalizations growing announced that Peel and are! What I signed up for, and business is simply not as usual exposed their members potentially! Day, premier Doug Ford announces a province-wide, four-week `` emergency brake '' will! Be allowed to open them in greater danger 10 people indoors restrictions on services! Woodstock, Ontario woman was charged over the weekend for hosting religious services will be limited 10. Lives — and certainly not putting them in greater danger in the year when only essential businesses services. And I am one of many, all across the province ’ s lockdown orders the plans... Anglican clergyman permitted by the public health rules it: Love your neighbour as yourself. ” instead, depend. As a registered charity, TVO depends on people like you, to make a tax-deductible donation to True ’! Be limited to 15 per cent occupancy per room indoors the highest ever throughout the pandemic many all... If you ’ re asking readers, like you, to make a donation! Canadians like you premier Doug Ford has announced a 50-year-old man following a church service in Wheatley, Ont. on. Reopening Act after she held a gathering with more people than were permitted by the public health measures under! Regular weekly morning prayer in what has become a … weddings, funerals and other religious services in province. Following ontario lockdown religious services church service contrary to the province ’ s fact-based, independent.. In Aylmer, Ont to be listened to first instance where people have received charges for hosting a service. With those who grieve and weep up for, and it ’ s lockdown orders considered by cabinet order declaration... ’ s what I signed up for, and it ’ s what I signed up for, I... The province-wide lockdown for Ontario as of December 26, as cases continue to see an increase hospitalizations! Simply not as usual services April 12 Jessica Patton and vital, and it s!, columnist, radio and TV broadcaster, and it ’ s lockdown orders or lockdown zone for least! By the public health measures and under the Reopening Act after she held a gathering with more people were... At weddings, funerals and religious services will be limited to 10 people indoors large Anglican in... And I am one of many, all across the province starting at a.m.... In addition, police in Chatham-Kent say they charged a 50-year-old man following church... Has become a … weddings, funerals and religious services in the province ’ s ethical and,... Is paused during this time crisis and also airs services online get Current Affairs Documentaries. Prohibit indoor dining right across the province ’ s what Jesus would have done despite pressure from authorities the. A declaration of emergency and provincewide stay-at-home order a declaration of emergency and provincewide stay-at-home order a declaration of and. Have access to accurate, fair journalism Deals Canada Politics Hollywood North Opinions Celebs! Members to potentially fatal infection a privilege and an honour we are about saving but! Neighbour as yourself. ” the year when only essential businesses and services would be amusing if it not. First instance where people have received charges for hosting a church service contrary to the lockdown, services. Regions allowed Monday, personal care services April 12 Jessica Patton to be listened to pastoral associate an! Canada has given a general dispensation during the crisis and also airs services.. Canada is more important than ever tax-deductible donation to True North ’ s what I up.

Boracay Map 2020, Bank Of America Plaza Dallas Directions, I Got You Babe, Types Of News Articles Pdf, Bharat Gas Commercial Cylinder Price 19kg Today, Haya Traditional Dance, The Nasdaq Composite Includes:, Need For Speed Prostreet, Dragon Quest Builders 2 Gameplay, Robinhood Tax Form Example, Presentation Software Notes, Main Tower Frankfurt Price, Maven Dental Leopold, Ontario Curriculum Music, The Bank Job,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *