At least two churches in Chilliwack continued to defy provincial health orders this Sunday.
The Chilliwack Free Reformed Church, just north of the Vedder overpass, held its 9:30 a.m. service, and the Free Grace Baptist Church held its 11 a.m. service.
Neither of the churchesB次元官网网址 parking lots were overly full, and both churches do stream their sermons live for those who prefer to watch from home. But both have also kept their sanctuaries open for their congregants who prefer to worship in person.
On Saturday, Dec. 12, Chilliwack RCMP announced that they are recommending charges against three unnamed churches.
B次元官网网址淲e have submitted reports with regards to the violation involving in-person congregations from last weekend,B次元官网网址 said Sgt. Krista Vrolyk with the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e seeking BC Prosecution Service charge assessment.B次元官网网址
A ban on gatherings, including for worship, went into effect on Nov. 19. A church in Langley has also been holding in-person services and has already received fines for doing so.
There was a CTV news crew on site at the Free Baptist Reform Church prior to their 11 a.m. service. They spoke with a man, Damien Dupont. on camera who said it was not his regular church. He also told them that the media is being B次元官网网址渄isingenuousB次元官网网址 about COVID-19, and that people are B次元官网网址渄ying with COVID, not of COVID.B次元官网网址
The reverends at both churches have spoken to The Progress to defend their decision to hold services despite public health orders.
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