Belgian non secular denominations need extra worshipers throughout providers
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FILE – On this archive picture from Tuesday, November 3, 2020, the chairs are spaced aside from one another to forestall the unfold of the coronavirus contained in the Church of St. Charles Borromeo within the historic metropolis heart of Antwerp, in Belgium. Representatives of all acknowledged non secular denominations in Belgium have joined forces to induce federal authorities to extend the variety of individuals admitted to locations of worship throughout the coronavirus pandemic, it was introduced on Wednesday January 20, 2021. Underneath below present COVID-19 guidelines, these locations can accommodate as much as 15 individuals. (AP Photograph / Virginia Mayo, file)
Representatives of acknowledged non secular denominations in Belgium have joined forces to induce federal authorities to extend the variety of individuals admitted to locations of worship throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Underneath present COVID-19 guidelines, these locations can accommodate as much as 15 individuals. In a letter to Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne, non secular officers argued that the variety of individuals allowed ought to as a substitute be tied to the area out there. They proposed a return to the “one particular person per 10 sq. meters” rule that utilized in June of final 12 months when Belgium exited the spring lockdown.
“The usage of this commonplace has confirmed to be much less restrictive for non secular observe and on the similar time very protecting for public well being,” they mentioned in an announcement Wednesday.
The letter was signed by representatives of the Roman Catholic, Protestant-Evangelical, Jewish, Anglican, Muslim and Orthodox faiths.
“In these troublesome and unsure instances, the necessity for which means and spirituality is greater than ever felt,” they mentioned. “For months now, a most of 15 individuals at a time have been in a position to collect in church buildings, mosques and synagogues throughout our nation. Regardless that a believer’s life doesn’t happen solely within the place of worship, many see this long-term measure as a drastic restriction on the place of worship.
The federal government launched the 15-person restrict in December after the nation’s highest courtroom mentioned the ban on providers – aside from weddings and company funerals – launched in October was disproportionate and hampered situations constitutional rights of freedom of faith.
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