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Brian Tamaki says he will hold a church service on Sunday despite restrictions on meetings under Alert Level 2 of the coronavirus blockade.
The leader of the controversial Church of Destiny is asking other churches to join him in opposing the restrictions he considers a “violation of rights.”
Tamaki has likened politicians to “over-controlling parents” as the nation prepares to go to Level 2 alert in separate stages starting Thursday.
Stuff-co-nz
Church of Destiny leader Brian Tamaki said he will hold a church service on Sunday.
“Our rights as churches under the New Zealand Bill of Rights are being violated, particularly section 15 regarding the freedom to manifest religion or belief in worship, the practice of observance and public or private teaching,” said Tamaki .
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“In the Bill of Rights, the government must act fairly when making decisions about religious groups, and it does not do so by allowing companies to have more than 10 people on their premises, but not churches.”
Cinemas, bars, restaurants, and shops may operate under Alert Level 2, but meetings for religious services, weddings, and funerals are limited to ten people.
Tamaki said that a church meets essential spiritual needs as recognized in models used in central government health practices.
“We will now invite all of our members to get tested in the coming days and celebrate our church service this Sunday at our facilities,” he said.
“I invite all the churches in New Zealand to act in accordance with their rights and not allow this government to treat us as something nonessential or as an afterthought at the bottom of the pile. Let’s defend our freedoms together! “
New Zealand will move to coronavirus alert level 2 in three separate stages starting this Thursday.
At 11:59 pm Wednesday, most of Level 2 will be enacted. Much of the economy will open, including restaurants, shopping malls, movie theaters, shops, health services, and hairdressers. People will be able to socialize with others and travel around the country, as well as practice team sports.
The following Monday, May 18, schools and early childhood centers will open.
Finally, on Thursday, May 21, bars will be allowed to reopen.
