The Feb. 15 article “Lawyers seek end to ‘inconsistent’ ban on worship” notes the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Guild is petitioning the Ministry of Health to ease restrictions on churches in time for Easter. This is very heartening to all who have had to endure nearly a year of reduced or no access to the sacraments.

The article also notes that an exemption to the ban on worship services has already been granted to the Orthodox Jewish community. We should congratulate this community for its assertiveness in making its position loud and clear resulting in the exemption. Sadly, the Catholic community does not have a similar exemption. Why not? If the Archdiocese of Vancouver has not mounted such a challenge, now is the time to do so. The faithful should not again be deprived of access to Easter celebrations.

When churches were permitted to open with strict health guidelines and limited numbers, not a shred of evidence was produced that Catholic churches were ever the source of the spread of COVID-19. Without such evidence, we can no longer place any credence in what the medical health officer or politicians are saying. 

May our Lenten journey result in our ability to attend Holy Mass at Easter.

Malcolm and Monica Roddis
Abbotsford

 

I must disagree with statements in the Feb. 15 article “COVID policy may favour ‘utility’ over age, disability.”

To date, the B.C. government has done a stellar job of keeping space available for COVID-19 patients in ICUs, critical care wards, etc. In addition, hospitals have re-arranged inpatient locations to accommodate patients requiring isolation.

For accurate information about how triage in hospitals is conducted, all Natalie Sonnen needs to do is view Knowledge Network’s six episodes on the emergency department at Vancouver General Hospital. She will be relieved to discover that patients are cared for on the basis of need, period.

I would also remind readers that, as has been the case in B.C., policy during a pandemic or any other public health issue must be determined by health care experts, not politicians.

Penny Oyama
Burnaby

 

Colleen Roy’s Feb. 8 column “God seems to be the only one respecting our freedom these days” was very moving. I ask: what is every Christian doing to bring morality to the world? 

I too feel sad at the state of the world – the babies and sick people that our society is paying to kill. 

I know Catholics and most Christians are pro-life, but the movement needs advertising and money for it to be known. Natural means of birth control, self-control, and compassion are part of being anti-abortion. If we want a loving society, we need to educate young people and help parents to learn how to parent.

Let us care with our love, money, and assistance, maybe by supporting a single mother and baby. As Catholics we support pro-life and organizations like Birthright Vancouver. You can help them with money or support.

Patricia Tracy
Vancouver