TILLSONBURG – Pastor Steve Richardson of Faith Presbyterian Church chose to take a stand in Tillsonburg.
When the Ontario government announced province-wide shutdown measures that started on Dec. 26 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, it included limits on public indoor gatherings. For church services, only 10 people were allowed indoors, counting parishioners, officiants, and staff.
The following day, Richardson held an indoor service (Dec. 27) that had more attendees than permitted, leading to him being ticketed by OPP.
“We did continue indoor services and I was issued a ticket,” Richardson confirmed Monday morning.
“At some point we decided to stop meeting at that location, and after discussions we agreed to return to the Bidwell location (101 Bidwell St. Tillsonburg).”
On Feb. 7, OPP visited the church and spoke with Richardson after the service where he received a court summons. He has been charged with not complying with an order under the Reopening of Ontario Act. The issue is now in court.
“Our interactions with the police have been very positive,” said Richardson. “We appreciate how they’ve handled things. They’ve been courteous and polite; it’s clear they’re just doing their job. The police have been great and we have no complaints.”
Masks are required during indoor services according to Southwestern Public Health.
“We’ve posted signs clearly stating this requirement from Southwestern Public Health,” said Richardson, “and people can choose whether or not to wear them. We can’t – and we won’t – enforce that rule. It’s up to each person’s conscience. In our church we basically just said, ‘here’s what the requirement is and we leave it up to you.’
“To me there’s a big difference between needing to wear masks and being allowed to gather for worship. As far as I’m concerned, if I don’t gather for worship, I’m sinning against God, so I have to gather. But regarding masks, I don’t like them – I have my reasons for that – but I’m pretty sure I can wear one without sinning against God.”
Faith Presbyterian Church opted not to follow some other churches that are holding virtual services. Seeing people shop at large stores and kids returning to school influenced their choice for indoor services.
“We hear many say that church isn’t about buildings and we completely agree. However, the Bible defines church as a gathering; there is no church without gathering together. To keep God’s day holy means coming together for preaching, singing, prayer, fellowship. Without those elements we can’t observe the Sabbath… the Lord’s Day properly or follow any of the first four Commandments correctly. Many churches have tried adapting their practices and provided reasons for doing so; however, I believe they’ve strayed quite far from Biblical teachings and compromised.”
Faith Presbyterian Church isn’t affiliated with Church of God nor has Richardson closely followed what’s happening in Aylmer; however he shares Rev. Henry Hildebrandt’s concerns about government interference in church matters.
“We’ve intentionally taken a different approach,” said Richardson. “We haven’t sought out media attention or attracted authorities; we’ve simply chosen quietly to do our own thing.”
cabbott
Source link
