The United Church of Canada has developed guidelines for a three stage plan to re-open church spaces. Based on provincial guidelines, Chinook Winds Region will be in Stage 1 of the re-opening strategy as of June 1, 2020.
Given the inherently social nature of Community of Faith events, the prolonged exposure to participants attending events, the demographics of our communities of faith as higher risk, and the safety protocols required to ensure reduced risk, the Chinook Winds Regional Council is not recommending expansion to Stage 2 at this time.
We do this even though the Province of Alberta has indicated that religious gatherings of up to 50 people or one-third of normal attendance (whichever is smaller) will be allowed as of June 1, 2020.
It is our assessment that the risk outweighs the benefit of in person gatherings at this time. The Region will continue to be in consultation with public health officials. and the National Church.
A move to stage 2 will be considered in keeping with Public Health and Safety Guidelines. While a more aggressive return may be legally possible, we believe it is not a faithful response.
Given the inherently social nature of Community of Faith events, the prolonged exposure to participants attending events, the demographics of our communities of faith as higher risk, and the safety protocols required to ensure reduced risk, the Chinook Winds Regional Council is not recommending expansion to Stage 2 at this time.
We do this even though the Province of Alberta has indicated that religious gatherings of up to 50 people or one-third of normal attendance (whichever is smaller) will be allowed as of June 1, 2020.
It is our assessment that the risk outweighs the benefit of in person gatherings at this time. The Region will continue to be in consultation with public health officials. and the National Church.
A move to stage 2 will be considered in keeping with Public Health and Safety Guidelines. While a more aggressive return may be legally possible, we believe it is not a faithful response.
https://chinookwindsregion.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Chinook-Winds-Reopening-Churches-During-COVID19-Discernment-and-Guidelines1.pdf
