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Coronavirus: Churches seek same rules as pubs and cafes

Religious leaders call on Gladys Berejiklian to allow more than 10 people to ­attend places of worship.

Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher says a ‘double standard was being applied to ­people of faith’. Picture: Toby Zerna
Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher says a ‘double standard was being applied to ­people of faith’. Picture: Toby Zerna

Religious leaders are calling on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to allow more than 10 people to ­attend places of worship, in light of the imminent relaxation of ­restrictions that will allow pubs, clubs and restaurants to seat up to 50 people.

Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher said a “double standard was being applied to ­people of faith” given the new rules that will apply in the hospitality industry from June 1.

“Churches have co-operated at every stage with the government’s health directives during this pandemic but our people are missing gatherings for worship, praying in a sacred space and there are spiritual and mental health effects of such isolation,” Archbishop Fisher said. “People of all faiths should be able to gather and worship.”

He said churches weren’t “asking for special treatment, we are asking for equal treatment”.

Ms Berejiklian announced last Friday that pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants could host up to 50 customers from June 1 subject to the rule requiring only one person per 4sq m. She said the decision was made based on “expert health advice” and would help to kick-start the NSW economy.

On May 10, the Premier announced religious gatherings and places of worship would be ­allowed to host up to 10 people.

Up to 20 mourners can attend a ­funeral indoors, up to 30 outdoors.

In Victoria from May 31, places of worship will be able to host up to 20 people indoors subject to the 4sq m rule. Currently, there is a limit of 10 people allowed inside a place of worship.

The limit of 10 also applies in Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT. Up to 20 people can attend a place of worship in Western Australia.

An unlimited number can ­attend places of worship in the Northern Territory but there is a time limit of two hours.

Read related topics:Coronavirus
Angelica Snowden

Angelica Snowden is a reporter at The Australian's Melbourne bureau covering crime, state politics and breaking news. She has worked at the Herald Sun, ABC and at Monash University's Mojo.

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/coronavirus-churches-seek-same-rules-as-pubs-and-cafes/news-story/be9e7ddbd79dd30cb953e3054675563a