On Monday morning, November 30, the media carried an article about three churches in B.C. who opposed the closure orders by the Provincial Department of Health. This was all based on our rights as Canadians to freedom to worship and opposition to government imposing restrictions on religious worship.
This opposition only arises out of a very small minority of faith communities. Have these faith communities (which includes faith communities from the World’s religions) thought there opposition through? Or are they trying to pick a fight with government, or anyone else, who is trying to make us do something that we oppose? What is the motivation here?
Our Christian understanding of our place in the society is one of charity and responsibility. We strong affirm that every human being has the right to worship in the way they responsibility choose. Religious practice must never be forced on a population. But that is only one half of the equation.
As human beings, and faith communities, we have the responsibility to defend and protect the health of the larger population. On one side there must be freedom to worship but it carries with it the responsibility to ensure that the population is protected from disease and oppression.
Bonnie Henry, chief medical health office for the province of British Columbia, was quoted: “I will always be accused of doing too much or not enough, that’s our life right now. I do not believe, at all, that we are affecting people’s ability to [practise their religion] under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” she said, citing recent comments from Pope Francis that churches should lead the way in co-operation with public-health orders. “This is about taking those measures to protect people from this virus and no more so than when we come together as a community indoors right now that puts people at risk.”
“On the weekend, the Pope said Christian churches and other religions “have a primary duty to offer an example of dialogue, mutual respect and practical co-operation.” [i]
Almost all Canadian faith communities have responded in a very responsible manner to protect Canadians. They have suffered because of their responsible actions but they are contributing to the well-being of the population of Canada.
These small fringe groups that oppose the health restrictions refuse to excise responsibility toward the common good of all citizens. We must not hesitate to point out their errors.
But we do not want to be smug and self-righteous. These lock downs have caused us much suffering. We experience the absence of communal worship, the support of face-to-face community, the absence of significant celebrations, especially funerals and the weakness of financial support during these long months.
Responsibility and caring for the common good does not mean that we will not suffer painful consequences. But this is the price we must pay for living in a responsible and caring manner.
[1] Globe and Mail, Dec. 1, 2020
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