How Christ would handle virus

It is regrettable to me that the few churches that are rebelling against the pandemic restrictions are getting so much attention while the vast majority of religious communities that are doing their best to comply are being ignored. Across the province, church leaders are devising innovative ways to connect with their communities and to provide the ministries that are needed now more than ever.

My own experience is with the Anglican Church. I have seen amazingly creative initiatives to continue the church's work, including: livestreamed services; using Zoom for coffee hours, prayer gatherings, study groups and meetings; drive-thru Ash Wednesday services with imposition of ashes; consecrated reserved communion wafers available to be picked up at the church; groups of volunteers making regular telephone contact with parishioners; and feeding the hungry with take-away packages instead of via soup kitchens. I am sure there are many more examples, not only in the Christian community but in other faith communities.

Perhaps someone like Douglas Todd could prepare an article on these practices that are producing such positive results and inspiring examples. Yes, the pandemic restrictions are contrary to some of our charter rights and freedoms, but that is not the primary issue. We are asked to temporarily suspend or modify our exercise of those rights for the common good. The issue is not protecting our rights. The issue is self-sacrifice for the good of others, being Good Samaritans, loving our neighbours as ourselves.

Surely this is how we honour and serve our God — not by demanding our rights, but by doing our best to care for others. Isn't that what Jesus would do?

Bruce Metzler, Vancouver