The Pub Test of Religious Liberty
In New South Wales, pubs and clubs are allowed to open for 50 people from the 1st of June, but churches are still restricted to 10. I guess that’s because having a beer and playing the pokies is an “essential” service, whereas worshipping God and having a cup of tea or coffee with a small group of people is just too dangerous? At least churchgoers don’t need to be breathalysed after they leave!
But to comprehend just how ridiculous this particular policy is, let’s put it to a literal pub test: Only 10 people can attend a funeral, or up to 30 if it’s held outdoors. And yet, 50 of them can go down to their local pub or club for the wake… At this point, I’m thinking that maybe more churches should start meeting in their local RSL, or at least hold their funerals there.
Covid-19 has not only destroyed the economy, but is also having a devastating effect upon the psychological health and emotional well-being of millions of Australians. Why would the government not want churches to reopen? One of the most basic and practical opportunities this would provide is to be able to ask each other, RUOK? A public health strategy which has already been used to great effect.
I’m not suggesting that we throw out the window all forms of social distancing, or that we don’t care for those whose immune systems are severely compromised. But this is a moment for the governing authorities to do what’s best for the health and well-being of its people.
There are greater needs than just rebuilding the economy. And as any believer would affirm, divine help and assistance is the most essential activity everyone needs. Not just during Covid-19, but all of the time. As the Bible says:
[Photo by Taylor Wilcox on Unsplash]“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand,
that He may lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
~ 1 Peter 5:6-7
Recent Articles:
“Un-Australian”: NT Minister Condemns Darwin Council’s Ban on Christian Group from Christmas Pageant
30 October 2026
2.4 MINS
NT’s Attorney General Marie-Clare Boothby has labelled Darwin Council's decision “un-Australian”, “an outrage”, “completely unacceptable and against everything that Christmas stands for.”
30 October 2026
4.5 MINS
A Tasmanian Christian reflects on 42 years of faith, warning that proposed conversion practices laws could threaten prayer, parenting and religious freedom, while reaffirming his hope in Christ.
30 October 2026
3.7 MINS
Christian leaders who deny the persecution of their own communities can obscure the truth, distort Western perceptions of Islam and leave vulnerable believers without a voice.
30 October 2026
3.5 MINS
Awakening begins when we remember the love that awakened our hearts in the first place.
29 October 2026
2.7 MINS
If passed, the Digital Duty of Care Bill 2026 will almost certainly lead to censorship of Bible-based convictions about marriage, abortion, gender, Islam and more. Here's why it should be rejected and how to make a submission by 30 October.
29 October 2026
3.4 MINS
Professor of Law Dr Joanna Howe is taking her employer to the Federal Court after an alleged 11-month in-house investigation into her public pro-life advocacy.
29 October 2026
5.3 MINS
George Christensen’s frightening hospital visit with his six-year-old daughter offers a powerful reminder that protecting children, born and unborn, begins with love, presence and sacrifice.
