More churchgoers will be able to worship from 3pm this afternoon

A church leader has speculated whether a sermon can coexist with a parmigiana as confusion reigned around more punters being allowed into pubs, than worshippers into church.

AN increase to the number of people allowed at religious gatherings will be made by the State Government following confusion expressed by religious leaders.

The Mercury understands the number of people allowed at religious gatherings will now increase from the 20 people initially announced earlier this week to 40 people when stage two restrictions are eased this afternoon.

The number is now on par with the number of people permitted in pubs, cafes, and restaurants.

Prior to the increase, Tasmanian Baptists mission director, and Hobart Baptist Church senior pastor, Stephen Baxter had voiced his disappointment that despite easing restrictions religious gatherings still could not properly go ahead.

He said he heard a choir in the United States may have spread the virus among its members through singing, however he was unsure if that was the reason for stricter restrictions.

“If that is not the case, then meeting up with friends at a pub or restaurant would seem as harmless as gathering for church — or for a wedding or funeral for that matter,” he said.

However, Mr Baxter said he commended the State Government on their efforts in tackling the pandemic.

Archbishop Julian Porteous said worshippers will still need to observe social distancing measures. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Catholic Archbishop of Tasmania Julian Porteous had said while 20 people would have been still a “significant reduction”, it would have allowed more people at weekend Masses than in previous weeks.

“This news will be well received by the Catholic community, many of whom have keenly felt the lack of opportunity to participate in Sunday Mass.”

Archbishop Porteous said those attending services still needed to comply with social distancing measures.

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Anglican Dean of Hobart Richard Humphrey said he was thrilled restrictions were starting to ease.

“I’m certainly looking forward to heading out to the pub for a meal with my family,” he said.

“A pub can only be a pub when it’s open, but a church isn’t just a building.”

He said there had been many examples of successful pub church services in the past, and it was an idea they had floated.

“That was the other option, but I’m not sure a service can coexist with a large parmigiana and chips,” he said.

“But we are encouraging people to head out to the pub and share fellowship. We look forward to the time we can both be open.”

He said though they had not been conducting their usual face-to-face services, the buildings were still open for public prayer and bible study, and had been conducting services online.