Nearly 350 churches in Ontario have signed a letter urging Premier Doug Ford to allow them to reopen in June, "with appropriate medical precautions developed in consultation with civil authorities."

A number of churches from a variety of denominations drafted the letter together before sending it off on Tuesday. The group is led by Rev. Dr. Aaron Rock of Harvest Chapel Windsor and Rev. Dr. Joe Boot of Westminster Chapel in Toronto.

The letter says that "Neither confessional Christian faith nor the Church institute can faithfully exist without a Lord’s Day gathering.

"We would respectfully remind the civil government that the church does not exist by permission of the state, for its establishment and rule is found in Jesus Christ himself. Please remember, the existence and freedom of the church institute long predates the founding of the Christian Dominion of Canada (our Coat of Arms citing Psalm 72:8), so we cannot stress enough how troubling and perplexing these times have been for us."

ed adverse side effects on marginalized people. "We know as pastors that addictions are resurfacing and that isolation, unemployment and economic ruin are taking their toll on family relationships and physical and mental health. Our service to the poor and disadvantaged in the community has been curbed, with serious implications for the most vulnerable. To save lives are we actually sacrificing lives? In short, we implore you that we must start meeting very soon because of our obligations to God and because our people need us. We cannot delay."

The letter argues that since grocery stores are still open and Ontario has recently announced more retail openings, such as shopping malls and garden centres, churches should also be included.