(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Reopen Saskatchewan

Faith leaders say they are being left out of reopen plan

May 12, 2020 | 5:01 PM

Two Prince Albert church leaders are raising concerns with the provincial government’s reopen plans.

John Fryters, senior pastor with the Heart of Seniors Gathering told paNOW religious institutions are not mentioned in the province’s reopen framework. He said this means churches like his could be waiting for a lengthy period before getting the green light to start having regular services.

“If it is post phase five it could be another nine to 12 months,” he said.

Fryters said seniors have been especially hit by the virus as in order to protect themselves many have gone into physical isolation. He added senior’s loneliness and isolation were issues prior to COVID-19 becoming a problem.

“It is kind of a double whammy, I call it secondary victimization,” he said.

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In hopes of having these concerns addressed, Fryters has written a letter to premier Scott Moe asking for churches and religious institutions to be included in an earlier phase of the plan. He figured houses of worship should be able to reopen sooner than nine to 12 months.

Fryters said religious leaders are capable of making changes to keep people safe during the current climate.

“They’re people that can adjust their congregations, they can adjust their services according to the medical requirements,” he said.

Concerns stretch across Saskatchewan

Bishop Albert Thévenot of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert said he is joining with a range of faith leaders from across the province to bring their concerns to light. He explained there is a feeling faith-based communities and what they represent are being set aside.

“We are never mentioned or have never been mentioned in this whole thing,” he said.

Thévenot said the faith leaders he is joining with include Muslims, Christians and Jews. He added they are in the process of drafting a letter to send to the province outlining their concerns and asking how they could resume having services.

Besides regular services, the bishop explained due to the current restrictions they are also not able to host or deliver programming, which includes addictions counseling and helping people who are in need.

Thévenot said they have the facilities to ensure proper social distancing and added they will have strict cleaning protocols in place.

“We’re ready to follow what they’re saying,” he said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn