Our Lady of the Valley (photo/Roman Catholic Diocese of Kamloops)

By Kevin Rothwell

5-2 vote

Vernon council backs worship as essential service

Jan 12, 2021 | 5:48 AM

A motion to write a letter to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, asking that houses of worship be added to the essential service list has passed at Vernon council.

“I was requested to by a representative of the Canadian Reform Church of Vernon, a house of worship with which I had no previous connection and anticipate no future connection. I subsequently spoke with other faith leaders. Coun. Scott Anderson said. “I am bringing the motion forward as a representative of the public, including some members of the faith community, because their request to deem houses of worship as “essential services” was, to my mind, so reasonable. All they are asking for is to be designated “essential services,” like pubs and restaurants and cannabis stores and big box stores and airplanes and small junk removal companies.”

The health order was brought in following COVID outbreaks mostly in the Fraser Valley this summer as residents ignored orders not to gather in large groups for weddings and funerals. Several Fraser valley churches have continued to defy public health orders and are being fined.

“This is nuts. You think you we are going to be able to control social distancing in a church,” Coun. Brian Quiring said. “You would put a higher risk group of our population at even greater risk.”

The fact people are allowed to gather at bars and restaurants was brought up by other councillors.

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“It’s outrageous. I can go to the pub or Costco, but not to a house of worship,” Coun. Kelly Fehr said.

Mental health was brought up by councillors in favour of resuming in person worship.

“People need a place to go, when they don’t have anyone. I know more people that have committed suicide than have died of COVID in the past month,” Coun. Akbal Mund said.

“A lot of people are struggling with mental health and depression,” Coun. Kari Gares added.

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming is from a family of clergy, his grand father, father, two uncles and his brother in law are all ministers.

“We are right on the edge of having all our health care workers vaccinated. What a difference that would make, and then our seniors. We are really close, really close, and this is not the time to adjust social gathering. We need to go the other way. This is not something that is free and easy. Cumming said.

The final vote was 5-2 in favour of sending the letter with Cumming and Quiring opposed.