by Harley Sims
The day after Northern Health announced that churches in northern B.C. would require proof of full vaccination to hold in-person services again, a Prince George pastor has said that he will not be complying.
Andrew Simpson of the Heritage Free Presbyterian Church told True North he wasn’t surprised by the announcement and that his church will remain open to everyone.
“As a pastor, I will never ask somebody to present proof of vaccination or to reveal any medical details to attend a church service that I am presiding over,” Simpson said. “I wasn’t shocked at it but still very dismayed that the government would think they have the authority to implement something like that.”
Northern Health announced Thursday that faith-based organizations would be allowed to reopen, “as long as they are limited to 50% capacity in the place of worship and all participants over the age of 11 are vaccinated. Virtual or drive-in services can be held without a check of vaccination status.”
The largest of B.C.’s five health regions had banned in-person church services on Oct. 15 as part of the province’s “circuit breaker” measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions were specific to the northern region and intended to address a “surge” in COVID-19 cases that saw local hospitals “overwhelmed.”
Only places of worship in the Northern Health region have been told to require vaccination. Other health regions offer the option of half-capacity instead. All require masks.
