Given that Australia is now pretty much a "Godless" country, the reopening of the bricks and motar aspect of Christianity will never be a big deal. However, given the scarcity of witnessing Christians, there would seem to be ample opportunity for people wishing to attend church to do so with plenty of space around them.

In the US planned parenthood baby killing clinics remained open while cancer and other 'non' essential services were on hold. You can be sure that secular humanist will never get their priorities right.

Seriously = now an article of religious "openings".

Whilst we all support a religion (or not) it is up to Government to ascertain whether religious worship gatherings is appropriate at this time - or not.

Whatever religious "belief" one has, we have been able to access by "on line" services.

So - chill.

Members of "all faiths" or none are certainly being catered for.

We await Governments response, but as of today have been advised this Corona Virus not going away any time soon ….. and that information is for ALL residents of Australia and those of "no faith.

So you and others may wish to get parishioners back to an "actual" church" - we will work via Government's instructions.

Greg,

Thank you for an excellent assessment of the back-to-church gatherings - in steps recommended by the government. The four-stage process of reopening the churches to larger gatherings sounds reasonable and practical to me.

For me as an evangelical Christian, this pandemic has taught: (1) There is a greater need for the small group (house church) emphasis - like the church of the first century. And (2) Modern technology has helped develop live streaming, Zoom and Skype activities to keep the people of God in contact with one another. I have been participating in a prayer meeting weekly, using Zoom.

Again, I thank you for a thoughtful and articulate article about bringing church function back to normal after Covid-19.

Well, saw on the News tonight that a Mosque in Darwin is in operation again, Churches shouldn't be more than a month behind !

When the 'shut everything down' reaction started, the elderly congregation of a Greek Orthodox congregation in Adelaide was interviewed on TV. The old ladies questioned were upset that they wouldn't be able to attend their church because some official they had never heard of said so, and they were convinced that God would protect them in 'His house'. Their faith was pissed upon. Anyone with such faith should have been allowed to continue attending church.

Not a churchgoer myself, I think the closing of churches and the denial of Christian faith, was one of the biggest acts of bastardry in the whole save-lives-at-any-price over-reaction. Those with faith not quite as strong as those old ladies could have stayed home.

Churches should pivot to, drive-in religion! Which could be used as drive-in entertainment venues Monday to Saturday and maybe, Sunday evening ad-free films, for families?

This would be popular and more so right now! As would be the essential construction phase!

Given they're rolled out as multipurpose venues, Able to earn revenue throughout the week and therefore able to self fund the pivot!

If this means some services are open to more public inspection? Might be no bad thing.

Communion, could be administered by young lay deacons and trainee nuns, As a recording repeats, dominus vobiscum et cum spirituo, until all those wanting a crisp of flour and water? Have partaken.

Collection can be taken at the gates via a gold coin donation to open the turnstile, thus negating the need for gatekeepers or a plate passed around. A la Aldi and their shopping trollies?

Almost everything has to change including packed churches and church halls. And or, packed theatres/restaurants!

Drive-ins and drive-throughs will be almost mandatory for those wishing to remain in large volume, passing trade business and or worship!

Flea market fundraisers can remain outdoors with hand sanitation and social distancing.

9's football would be a good compromise and more reliant on speed and evasion tactics, than the tackle and the packed scum. the latter able to be replaced by a free-kick!
Alan B