At least two churches in Chilliwack continued to defy provincial health orders this Sunday.

The Chilliwack Free Reformed Church, just north of the Vedder overpass, held its 9:30 a.m. service, and the Free Grace Baptist Church held its 11 a.m. service.

Neither of the churches鈥� parking lots were overly full, and both churches do stream their sermons live for those who prefer to watch from home. But both have also kept their sanctuaries open for their congregants who prefer to worship in person.

On Saturday, Dec. 12, Chilliwack RCMP announced that they are recommending charges against three unnamed churches.

鈥淲e have submitted reports with regards to the violation involving in-person congregations from last weekend,鈥� said Sgt. Krista Vrolyk with the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment. 鈥淲e鈥檙e seeking BC Prosecution Service charge assessment.鈥�

A ban on gatherings, including for worship, went into effect on Nov. 19. A church in Langley has also been holding in-person services and has already received fines for doing so.

There was a CTV news crew on site at the Free Baptist Reform Church prior to their 11 a.m. service. They spoke with a man, Damien Dupont. on camera who said it was not his regular church. He also told them that the media is being 鈥渄isingenuous鈥� about COVID-19, and that people are 鈥渄ying with COVID, not of COVID.鈥�

The reverends at both churches have spoken to The Progress to defend their decision to hold services despite public health orders.

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jpeters@theprogress.com
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