The First Minister of Walse, Mark Drakeford announced a new lockdown from the 23rd of October to the 9th of November, which includes the closing of churches. Christian leaders have raised their voice against the regulations made by the Welsh Government. The Christian leaders argue that the regulations are severely interfering with the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and worship, which are protected under Article 9 of the Human Rights Act.
Words from Pete Greasley, senior pastor at Christchurch in Newport: If our church is not able to function properly then neither can these important services. We are particularly concerned that this decision by the Welsh Assembly does not recognise how vital spiritual well-being is to a community."
Pastor Kevin Berthiaume said: “Throughout our history it has always been the influence and power of the church that has sustained people through the darkest of times.”