Australia: Police intervene in a church that violates containment
Australian police on Monday (August 23) criticized a church in Sydney which held a service with 60 people on Sunday, in violation of the confinement imposed to stem the epidemic of Covid-19.
Read alsoIn Sydney, the controversial use of the army to enforce confinement
Informed Sunday by residents, the police intervened in the building and imposed fines of 5,000 Australian dollars (3,000 euros) and 1,000 dollars (600 euros) on around thirty worshipers. The church is owned by Christ Embassy, a religious group based in Lagos, Nigeria. It is a global organization led by Chris Oyakhilome, described on its website as a pastor, teacher, TV host and bestselling author.
800 new cases every day
Australian media quoted a sermon posted on Sunday on Facebook from the church in Blacktown, western Sydney, as saying: “In the name of Jesus we refuse the lockdown of our towns. We declare that the confinements are lifted in the name of Jesus” The videos were not visible on Monday on the Facebook page of the church in Sydney, which did not respond to requests for comment.
Read alsoAustralia: Sydney's confinement extended until the end of September
The entire Sydney metropolitan area is currently under lockdown to contain the progression of the epidemic as 800 new cases are recorded every day. Residents can only leave their homes for essential errands, exercise or medical emergencies.
The Sydney Church website showed a video of Prime Minister Scott Morrison explaining in April 2020 that churches could stream services over the internet and that those attending should follow work rules and social distancing protocols . But the rules have since been tightened to ban all in-person services.
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