Krimpen Municipality asks churches to keep services digital | Inland

The letter follows the decision of the Mieras Church in Krimpen to reopen the doors to all believers, just like the Sion Church in Urk. De Krimpen mayor Martijn Vroom and the aldermen do not think this is a good idea. They point out that the infections are also increasing enormously in their municipality.

“For a long time now, the government’s urgent advice has been to adhere to the measures. Also as a churchgoer. Do not gather in large groups and always keep a distance of five feet. And also: don’t sing if you do meet in a small circle. Please follow the church service digitally ”, the letter states. “As a municipal council, we ask you for solidarity with those who are sick and with those who stay at home. We ask you to persevere. ”

The Mieras Church reports on its site that on Sunday everyone will be given the opportunity to attend the worship services in compliance with the 1.5 meter rule. Pastor Anthonie Kort did not want to come on the phone for a response.

Undesirable

The Leefbaar Krimpen faction previously expressed all its concerns. “We think this is an absolutely undesirable situation. Do not forget that this church is one of the largest in the Netherlands with about 1900 members. There is room for about 1,500 people in the church. You simply should not want them all to come together, with all the possible health consequences that entails, ”said councilor Oscar Suijk, who had asked written questions about this to the Mayor and Aldermen. “Those people also go to the supermarket the next day.”

According to Suijk, the corona figures in Krimpen aan den IJssel are among the highest in the region. “The church has a responsibility. We therefore call on the Mieras Church to refrain from opening the doors wide, ”says Suijk, who also fears the coming Easter days. “We understand very well that Easter is perhaps the most important day for a believer besides Christmas. Yet we call on the representatives of the churches, and also their members, not to attend church en masse. ”

The VVD party in Krimpen also regrets the decision of the church. “Corona makes no distinction between believers and unbelievers. You endanger the whole of society ”, says Sharon Tollenaar. “Everyone has a moral obligation to comply with the measures.”

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