A group of 23 pastors and churches from Steinbach and the surrounding area have written an open letter to residents declaring their support of public health measures set by the province.

"We believe that Manitoba’s current public health orders in no way contravene our ability to obey and worship God," the letter says. "They are not anti-faith; they are pro-life."

From different Mennonite congregations to a local Catholic church, the churches say they are grateful that the government "has allowed faith communities to continue to meet and minister where possible."

Steinbach has seen a surge of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, and on Friday the province reported the 10-day test positivity rate was 40 per cent, and 24 deaths in the region since the pandemic began. The southeastern Manitoba city also garnered national headlines over the last week after an anti-mask rally was held on Saturday.

Citing Romans 14:6, the faith leaders acknowledge that the current health orders do limit some freedoms, "but they do so for the greater good of our society. In no way are we pretending these regulations are perfect," they say, pointing out the economic impacts as well as the emotional ones for those who have lost loved ones in the pandemic.

However, the pastors and churches say, "We recognize that our government leaders are having to make many difficult decisions that will help some people and bring hardship to others. We urge all citizens to pray for our government officials as they lead us through this difficult time."

The letter also applauds the efforts of frontline workers in the midst of COVID-19.

"We believe that the sacrifices asked of us at this time – mask-wearing and physical distancing, for example – pale in comparison to the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf," the letter concludes.

The letter reads as follows:

This past week our local doctors and provincial leaders pleaded with the public to follow the public health orders. As pastors and leaders of churches of Steinbach and Area, we want to make it clear that we support them in this call.

Since Jesus is our Lord (King) our first allegiance belongs to Him. However, obeying governing authorities whenever the laws of the land do not cause us to disobey God is also every Christian’s duty (Romans 13:1-7). We believe that Manitoba’s current public health orders in no way contravene our ability to obey and worship God. They are not anti-faith; they are pro-life.

The Manitoba government has allowed faith communities to continue to meet and minister where possible. For this we are grateful. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March, we as churches have sought to follow the guidelines the province has given us and have encouraged our parishioners to do the same. As a result, we have moved our services and ministries online.

Do the current public health orders limit our freedom? Yes, but they do so for the greater good of our society (Romans 14:6). In no way are we pretending these regulations are perfect. We hurt for the many small business owners and those in our community who have lost jobs and the ability to earn a living. We also grieve with those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic. We recognize that our government leaders are having to make many difficult decisions that will help some people and bring hardship to others. We urge all citizens to pray for our government officials as they lead us through this difficult time.

We honour and appreciate the many sacrifices that our health care workers have had to make in order to look after the most vulnerable. The loving care that they are giving their patients is an inspiration to us all and we want to express our deep gratitude to them and ongoing support for them. We believe that the sacrifices asked of us at this time – mask-wearing and physical distancing, for example – pale in comparison to the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf.

On behalf of our faith communities,

Steinbach & Area Ministerial Association (SAMA)

Signatories & Churches:

  • Rev. Dr. Walter Fast, Steinbach Mennonite Bretheren Church (Chair)
  • Pastor Andrew Dyck, Stony Brook Fellowship (Vice-Chair)
  • Pastor Darrell Dyck, Gospel Fellowship Church (Treasurer)
  • Pastor Robert Balfour, Calvary Church
  • Pastor Dylan Barkman, Pansy Chapel
  • Pastor Graham Beer, Word of Life Church
  • Fr. Edgardo M. Deligero, Christ Our Saviour Catholic Parish (Parochial Administrator)
  • Pastor Mac Dumcum, Christian Fellowship Church
  • Paul Duval, Minister, Steinbach United Church
  • Pastor Stan Friesen, Steinbach Christian Mennonite Church
  • Pastor David Funk, Niverville Community Church
  • Pastor Terry Gudmundson, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
  • Pastor Lee Hiebert, Steinbach Mennonite Church
  • Pastor Ernie Koop, Evangelical Fellowship Church
  • Pastor Garry Koop, Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church
  • Pastor Mel Letkemann, Grace Mennonite Church
  • Pastor Barry Plett, Blumenort Community Church
  • Pastor Dave Reimer, Christian Mennonite Conference
  • Pastor Ron Taron, Steinbach Church of God
  • Leadership Team, Southland Church
  • Pastor Don Thiessen, Ridgewood Church
  • Pastor Cyndy Warkentin, Saturday Night Church
  • Pastor Andy Woodworth, Heartland Community Church
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