And, while the law has had to step in to ensure public safety and covid containment in those villages, another major mennonite population centre says God will protect them from the virus.
Last night we told you about the Blue Creek Mennonite Church which had its Sunday service interrupted by the police. The incident resulted in the arrest of several churchgoers who were taken on charges of failure to wear a mask, failure to social distance, and hosting an illegal gathering.
And, tonight their sister community Spanish lookout is speaking out against the forced closures of churches and schools. They say that limitations on gatherings are leading to societal discontent and quote: "Impacting community participation, self-esteem, and even mental Health."
They also pointed to the effects of school closures claiming that school aged children who have been impacted by extended disruptions are experiencing a disengagement from their schoolwork.
They also assert that while the government has looked to economic concerns they've failed to do the same with the emotional and spiritual needs of the community.
Finally the Mennonites Spanish lookout took a similar position to those in Blue Creek claiming that their allegiance to God quote: "transcends their allegiance to government." End quote. They say that with this in mind the community will support the opening of schools and churches AS THEY SEE FIT, provided that they make efforts to follow health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID 19.
We'll see how that line, "as they see fit" fits with the police COVID enforcement measures.
