Hillsong founder Brian Houston blasts 'inconsistent' coronavirus church rules

Hillsong founder Brian Houston says Christians are being discriminated against, as congregations at church services remain at just 100.

Founder of the Hillsong Church, Pastor Brian Houston

Founder of the Hillsong Church, Pastor Brian Houston Source: AAP

Christians are being discriminated against with numbers at church services strictly limited while other coronavirus restrictions are being relaxed, Hillsong founder Brian Houston says.

The number of people allowed to worship in churches is capped at 100, regardless of the size of the building, Mr Houston says.

The pastor told 2GB radio on Wednesday all his congregation wanted was consistency as the government announced this week 300 guests would be allowed at weddings from December.

"(At) the grand final this week, 40,000 to 45,000 people (will be) hugging, shouting, spitting, high-fiving - it's just the inconsistency of it," he said.

"Churches seem to be left behind."
Mr Houston said he was not asking for permission to "pack out" churches again but churches could abide by COVID-safe plans just like other venues.

"Community and connection is so much of what churches provide, and I think there's a lot of people out there desperate for that sense of community and connection again after a long time of isolation," he said.
NSW deputy chief health officer Jeremy McAnulty told Nine that relaxing restrictions was a decision for the government.

It comes just 7401 people were tested for the virus on Monday, far below the average of 20,000 health authorities want to see.

The two new locally acquired infections reported in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday were linked to known cases and clusters.

Dr McAnulty said testing rates needed to triple in order to contain the spread of the virus.

"NSW is at a critical point and the only way to find undiagnosed cases and prevent further transmission is to increase testing," he said on Tuesday.

"Get tested on the day you get those symptoms - don't wait until they go away."
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

News and information is available in 63 languages at .

Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory:  .


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3 min read
Published 21 October 2020 9:50am
Updated 21 October 2020 9:57am
Source: AAP, SBS



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