The pastor of Motion Church in Kamloops says he’s thrilled that health officials are hinting that people may be back in pews in time for Easter…but he’s also a bit skeptical.

Pastor Jonny Strutt says his church obeyed the rules and shut down when asked, while implementing all of the necessary protocols, noting he’s excited about the possibility that things could return to something closer to normal.

However, he’s also wondering if government is being motivated to ease up restrictions on faith communities – because of ongoing charter challenges in several provinces – including in British Columbia.

“I don’t think they would want to see a judge come out with a ruling that then sets a precedent across the nation that would have far more reaching implications,” he said on NL Newsday.

“So it’s just my suspicion that maybe there was some pressure behind the scenes that hey if we’ve made a wrong decision here than lets rectify that before the judge has to do that for us,” he said.

Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry described the easing of restrictions as ‘slowly turning up the dial’ rather than ‘flipping a switch’. During her briefing on Monday, she said she has been working with faith leaders on a return to in-person services as well, hoping that could be in place before Easter and Passover at the end of this month.

“Throughout the pandemic we have been in dialogue with faith leaders and I am so grateful for that opportunity to speak with them on a regular basis and to understand the concerns and the needs,” Henry added.

Strutt meanwhile says he doesn’t want everything to close – but rather he wants the health rules to apply equally – a concern that has also been raised by the Kamloops Film Society.

“[We’re hoping for that instead of] okay there’s permission to gather at bars for you know a hockey game or gather at swimming pools or at gyms but not to gather for worship,” Strutt said.

(Photo via Motion Church Kamloops)