Readers Speak Out: April 11, 2021

(Editor’s note: The restrictions on worship have been felt across the country, perhaps most profoundly in British Columbia, where indoor services were banned  again just before Easter as COVID cases rose. Our first two letters dealing with the closures are reprinted from The B.C. Catholic)

Mixed message

The Church is being forced to follow all rules without exception while places like large box stores are doing business as usual with a few inconveniences.

In our churches we must register for seating patterns, there are no greetings or coffee mornings, no singing, and receiving the Holy Eucharist is almost impossible. Why have we had all these restrictions imposed on our congregations, while everything from bars, activities, retail stores and even some events haven’t been?

It seems like places of worship are being singled out for the hardest of restrictions with fines imposed if rules are not followed to the letter. Why don’t big box stores fit into this category?

It is time for the government to take a long look at what it is doing and explain its purpose.

I understand the need for preventive measures against COVID-19, but for everyone. This mixture of rules and regulations has been difficult for the general population to understand and follow. It’s past time for one set of rules for all to follow. Government has had enough time to work out a pattern of restrictions that are followed by all.

It’s also time for government to stop singling out religion as its personal enemy and bring restrictions into line with measures that are necessary to fight COVID. No one wants it to stay around longer, and for the most part people are willing to do what is necessary to eliminate this horrible virus.

As I am in the more vulnerable age group, I want those in charge to stop playing games with vaccines and get them moving more quickly. God bless us all in this time of fear.

Diane Duncan,

Saanichton, B.C.

In the lead-up to this year’s Holy Week and Easter celebrations, the statistics detailing the numbers of British Columbians affected with the COVID-19 virus and its variants are staggering.

Dr. Bonnie Henry is under excruciating pressure from every direction and many groups to relax the restrictions, especially on gatherings.

Even though we in B.C. have fared relatively well compared to other jurisdictions in Canada, the leadership from our health officials must never be minimized, as it has been instrumental in keeping us safe.

That said, I can’t help proposing that good Catholics will be much better served by not harassing health officials in general — and Dr. Henry in particular — to return to “normal” too soon. The pandemic will be over when it’s over.

Penny Oyama,

Burnaby, B.C.

Important priorites

Register columnist Charles Lewis deserves special commendation for his countless years of excellent reflections on life issues, with his clear, intelligent and understanding commentary. His analyses face a difficult challenge when so many Canadians seem satisfied to ignore such important priorities!

Peter Eldridge,

Yarmouth, N.S.