Many, including myself, were left surprised and disappointed, when last weekend, New Zealand’s largest Church – Arise Church – announced their decision to require a vaccine pass to enter any of their in-person services.
Clearly, in these turbulent times, there is no easy answer, no perfect solution for churches when it comes to dealing with the gathering restrictions that have been placed on those who have chosen not to take the vaccine. However, it does lead to the question – where should a church draw the line, when it comes to restricting people from fellowshipping together?
Is there ever a case where it’s right for a church to refuse someone entry based on their personal medical choices? Obviously, no one would condemn a church for turning away someone who was clearly displaying symptoms of Covid-19, or had tested positive for the virus – or any infectious disease for that matter. But refusing to allow someone to worship alongside their fellow believers based on their vaccination status – seriously? Have you even read the Gospels?
Obviously, my goal is not to overlook all the good that Arise Church has done. They’ve clearly reached thousands with the message of the Gospel, and had a positive impact on so many lives. And I, as much as anyone else, have seen the ruthless, unfounded attacks on churches by leftist, mainstream media. I hate the fact that this happens to churches, and I hate the fact that I’m even writing this article. But considering all the good that Arise has done, why have they all of a sudden decided to cut off contact with over 10% of their congregation, not even to mention over 10% of those within their reach who still need to hear the message of the Gospel!
In a post on his Facebook page, just hours prior to making the vaccine pass announcement, Ps. John Cameron, Senior Pastor of Arise Church said this: “It is against the very nature of our faith to stop people at the doors of church gatherings. Christ died to welcome all. His arms, nailed wide on the cross, are forever opened wide to welcome all.”
I was so happy, so proud when I read that statement. Ps John, I could not have said it better myself. But then, only hours later, those very words were betrayed. How can you say that it is against the very nature of our faith to stop people at the doors of church gatherings, and then go ahead and do exactly that? How!? How can you say that Christ died to welcome all, and then in the next breath say “except, if you’re not vaccinated, you’re not welcome anymore”. This is a dishonour to the Cross, and a betrayal of the core message of the Gospel.
Honestly, as I write this, I’m in inner turmoil. I’m angry, I want to cry, I want to throw up. On one hand, I love the Church (the collective body of Believers in Christ), I love the Church so much. I genuinely, deeply do not want to write this article. It tears me up. Ps. John, if you happen to come across this article, please understand, I love you, I love all the good your church has done. This is not a personal attack against you or Arise Church. Yet at the same time, I love the Gospel, I love the Gospel so much, and I cannot bear to see a church that is meant to be a leading example of this Gospel, in clear contravention of the purpose of the Gospel.
For the majority of Jesus’ earthly ministry, he was ministering to the poor, the marginalized, the sick, and the outcasts of society (Luke 17: 11-19, John 4:1-42, Matthew 9:20-22), and he saved his harshest rebukes for those religious leaders who refused to associate with them (Luke 18:9-14, Matthew 23, Mark 2:13-17). How then, can a church that claims to follow and preach the teachings of Jesus, take this position against those who have now been made to be essentially the outcasts, or second-class citizens of our society? Our Prime Minister has made it very clear that she is creating a two-tier society based on vaccination status, and the mainstream media has been slandering and turning the tide of public opinion against the un-vaccinated to no end.
This leaves the question – are the un-vaccinated worthy of the Gospel? If yes, then why has Arise Church chosen to reject them? If no, then, well, which gospel are they reading? I can make a pretty good guess as to which group Jesus would be hanging out with.
Now is not the time for the Church to choose the ninety-nine over the one. There is literally no excuse for the church not to hold services for the un-vaccinated, especially in these times when the warmth, love, and salvation of the Gospel message are needed more than ever.
According to Arise Church, many of their services are held in hired buildings whose owners will not allow un-vaccinated people to enter events, regardless of capacity limitations. So what, just give up then? The church should be stopping at nothing to make sure that everyone is welcomed. Please don’t tell me there is simply no other choice than to banish the un-vaccinated from church. It’s time to get creative!
In those venues which you can hold events for un-vaccinated, do what many other churches are doing and hold one or two services with a 50 or 100 capacity limit. Maybe hire another venue that does allow you to do this?
Perhaps approach another church that owns a venue, and see if you can’t use their building when they aren’t.
For heaven’s sake (literally), it’s summer! Set up a marquee and hold outdoor services!
For crying out loud, do something, anything! Just please, please don’t dishonour Christ’s sacrificial Gospel by dividing the church. New Zealand needs the Gospel. The vaccinated need the Gospel. The un-vaccinated need the Gospel. Everyone needs the Gospel. It’s time to get real!
One of my colleagues at The Daily Examiner asked me this potent question the other day – “Why does it sometimes seem like we are defending the Christian faith better than some churches?”. And it truly is a troubling question. No, we’re not a Christian newspaper. Yes, some of our team are Christians, but some of our team also are not Christians.
It is time for the church to step up and take responsibility for the task which you have been assigned – to go forth and preach the Gospel to every nation.
The Daily Examiner applauds and commends those churches who have made an effort to ensure that ALL are welcomed, regardless of vaccination status. The Daily Examiner is not affiliated with, nor expressly endorsed by any church or church organization. The Daily Examiner does not purport to be an authority on theology, and the views expressed in this article are those of the author.
