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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Steve Evans

Religious leaders meet to find new ways of worship

The leaders of the major faiths are to meet on Tuesday to discuss new ways of worship as their places of religion are restricted by the new rules.

Christian, Jewish, Muslim leaders as well as those of other faiths have been invited to St Christopher's Cathedral in Manuka where the 1.5 metre rule of separation will be used as the discussion takes place.

The most popular churches and mosques in Canberra have been struggling to adjust to the ban on meetings of more than a hundred people.

Reverend David Campbell at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church is trying to work out how to cope with the ban on meetings of more than a 100. Picture: Elesa Kurtz

Religious leaders have been devising imaginative ways to keep worship going as the virus crisis closes down gatherings. Tuesday's meeting is to share ideas.

Some churches have moved services online. Others were planning to limit attendance inside church with overflow seating outside.

The Canberra Islamic Centre has decided not to hold collective prayers because of the government instruction.

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Services have already been changed so that some worship has been held in the open air.

The Reverend David Campbell of St Andrew's Presbyterian Church said that "the last thing I want to see is the church doors closed".

"Being the church by Parliament House, I want to keep the services going," he said, adding, "within the regulations".

"People still need a place to turn to in these harrowing times."

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