Church services
Allow churches to reopen that can say they have a small congregation. If funerals of twenty are allowed so should worship be allowed.
Why the contribution is important
The well-being of the nation.
by EBell on May 05, 2020 at 03:32PM
Posted by triumphherald May 05, 2020 at 15:41
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Posted by Whisk3y May 05, 2020 at 15:45
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Posted by Cowden May 05, 2020 at 15:52
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Posted by Stephen May 05, 2020 at 16:11
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Posted by bank65 May 05, 2020 at 16:47
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Posted by DrSaraParvis May 05, 2020 at 16:54
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Posted by MrsC May 05, 2020 at 16:59
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Posted by Sus81 May 05, 2020 at 17:28
Could we look at opening the churches for silent prayer at certain times with strict rules in place?
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Posted by Penchrystona May 05, 2020 at 23:03
Church online has been very useful but is a shadow of meeting together.
On cruise ships prior to boarding and going into a restaurant crew members stand with containers of hand gel. It is very simple to adopt this approach at the entry to church buildings.
It would be possible for churches to meet and maintain social distancing (many churches no longer have fixed pews) by placing the seating apart. Yes communion may not be possible and singing may not be possible but there is an opportunity to be able to worship together in the same place.
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Posted by ChristianBeliever May 06, 2020 at 12:52
1. Handcleaning gel should be available at the door.
2. Seating should be spread out to maintain social distancing, even if this means churches have to move to multiple services.
3. For now, communion can be delayed, unless a way can be found to do so safely.
4. Singing should be out of doors or with face masks. Any outdoors singing should be with minimal instruments, and confined to the hours 0900-2000, to minimise disruption for neighbours.
5. Only those wearing face masks can preach / pray publicly / etc.
6. Passing a collection plate/bag should not be allowed. Collection boxes may be practical but would require caution in handling the donations.
These are just a few ideas, other restrictions may also be necessary / advisable.
The lockdown is damaging to social cohesion and to the spiritual and mental health of some, and the chance to see loved friends again is important.
Though churches may require greater precautions than some other institutions / businesses, especially if there are aging members of the congregation, it is the aging people of society who are suffering the most loneliness through the lockdown. They are not always able to adjust to social media / online church services, and with reasonable precautions it should be possible to open this up.
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Posted by MichaelG May 06, 2020 at 13:47
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Posted by JCSGleason May 06, 2020 at 13:54
Humans are physical as well as mental, and the wellbeing of both elements is connected. We may not be wise to hug each other or sing (except perhaps outside), but being able to see others that you care about should be allowed because of the benefits to everyone's wellbeing.
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Posted by benjaminshore May 06, 2020 at 16:42
If it is not safe to allow a FULL re-opening of churches for social distancing purposes, would you consider a partial re-opening? Churches could do multiple services with smaller groups, or have a rotation of people allowed to come to each service. We could also follow reasonable standards for cleaning the church facilities. We understand that some restrictions may need to be in place. However, we believe it is vital that churches be reopened.
It is very important that our communities have their spiritual needs met. Please make church a priority when lifting the lockdown bans.
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Posted by randomchaos May 06, 2020 at 20:46
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Posted by Elena May 06, 2020 at 22:33
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Posted by KaSh May 07, 2020 at 08:51
We are willing to follow any guidelines laid out for gathering.
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Posted by Shels May 07, 2020 at 08:54
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Posted by JoysieJ May 07, 2020 at 20:06
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Posted by kpm321 May 10, 2020 at 17:05
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