In the House of Representatives, there is little understanding for the large church services that were held on Sunday in the Restored Reformed Church in Staphorst. Three services were held in the church, each with 600 people in attendance, with singing and no masks being worn.
Gert-Jan Segers of the ChristenUnie believes that the church “does not set a good example, as other churches do.” He notes that many churches are acting responsibly in the corona crisis. “Fortunately, they are not hotspots of contamination.”
‘Jammer’
CDA MP Chris van Dam also states that almost all places of worship in the Netherlands behave sensibly “by being very reticent about celebrations and services. It is a pity that this denomination does not set that example. Even with the necessary restrictions, justice can be done in these difficult times to the fundamental right of religious freedom. ”
“Incomprehensible”, D66 foreman Rob Jetten calls the decision to keep the services. “Let Minister Grapperhaus – responsible for church services – conduct a penetrating conversation in Staphorst as soon as possible.”
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‘Irresponsible’
Lodewijk Asscher of the PvdA finds the actions of the church “really irresponsible, while other Dutch people are asked not to stand on the line at their children’s football match.”
He believes that no exception to the corona rules should be made for religious gatherings at all. “If cinemas, theaters, sports clubs and catering establishments are asked to contribute to the fight against the virus, religious communities must also make their contribution.”
VVD party chairman Klaas Dijkhoff also believes that churches should adhere to the corona rules. “Corona does not respect religion.” He thinks it is up to the minister to act. “That is for Grapperhaus to consider, to set rules if one first makes agreements, but then does not let God or commandments hold back this behavior.”
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No exception
The umbrella organization GGD GHOR also believes that no exception should be made. “There are clear guidelines everywhere, whether it be a church service or a sports field or in the workplace. It’s very easy: Stick to the guideline, ”said a spokeswoman.
According to Minister Ferd Grapperhaus, many churches are taking the situation into account. But “a few churches have not yet proceeded to recalibrate what is now desirable in terms of opening,” the minister notes. On Monday he will speak again with the Inter-Church Contact in Government Affairs about the corona measures. “Religious freedom is a great good, but we have to do it together,” says Grapperhaus.
ANP
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