FROM today in Greater Shepparton, up to 20 people can be indoors for a religious gathering, with 50 people permitted to gather outdoors, after eased restrictions were announced on Sunday.
The news came as relief for a coalition of religious figures from Greater Shepparton who were pressing the State Government to ease restrictions surrounding religious gatherings for the mental and spiritual wellbeing of their parishioners.
Prior to today, religious gatherings were allowed outdoors only for up to 20 people plus one faith leader.
Meanwhile, cafes and restaurants in regional Victoria were allowed to seat 40 people indoors and up to 70 people outdoors, and according to chairperson of the Shepparton Ministers Association, Jeremy Rensford, the restrictions were unfairly impacting those cut off from their faith communities.
“We want people to be safe and adhere to the appropriate restrictions, but to worship with others is a big deal for many people,” said Mr Rensford, who is the minister at the Goulburn Valley Christian Fellowship Church on Pine Street in Shepparton.
“It’s so healthy to be with other people if you’re suffering a bit or stuck at home. Watching me preach online – it just doesn’t cut it.”
However, Mr Rensford said while being allowed to have 20 people inside his church was a positive step, it was an awkward number given his faith community numbers more than 160.
“In reality, having 20 people indoors doesn’t do much,” he said.
“I think the number of people allowed inside should be suitable to the space we have. We’re all motivated by keeping people safe. Our core business is essentially about looking after people, after all.”
The calls were echoed by Rev Chris Parnell, the executive officer of the Shepparton Interfaith Network, an organisation which aims to promote peace and harmony in the region’s spiritual communities.
Rev Parnell said people were suffering from ‘restriction fatigue’ and the issue around religious gatherings had started to come to a head.
A petition started by Catholic Melburnians Mrs Ewa Chlipala and Dr Joanna Waloszek Czerwinski asking the State Government to ease restrictions for places of worship has been signed by more than 10,000 people as of last week, prior to Sunday’s announcement.
The petition was endorsed by Christian organisations in Victoria as well as Hindu Council of Australia and Islamic Council of Victoria, with calls for religious gatherings to be declared as an essential service.
Rev Parnel said there was a case to allow people back into churches, mosques and temples.
“People get energy from the face-to-face contact with a preacher,” he said.
“You can’t get that on a screen. People need that connection with other people.”
