The Covid inquisition
Police are now breaking up baptisms which contravene the Covid rules.
Want unlimited, ad-free access? Become a spiked supporter.
At the weekend, police stormed the Angel Church in Clerkenwell, London to break up a baptism.
Islington baptism service halted by police due to lockdown rules https://t.co/T4cOxvGQvC
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) November 15, 2020
Lockdown rules mean baptisms are currently banned, but roughly 30 people had gathered for the service. After police intervened, an outdoor gathering was conducted instead, as officers prevented people entering the church. Three police vehicles were at the scene of the ‘crime’.
The lead pastor of the church, Regan King, said he went ahead with the service ‘because I believe we serve a greater good’. ‘This is an essential service that we provide’, he said.
King also defended the church’s ongoing work with people ‘who are extremely vulnerable, homeless or on the verge of being very isolated’.
Indeed, the role that churches and other faith institutions play in the community is surely more vital than ever during a period of crisis. But the British state’s religious devotion to lockdown seems to trump all other concerns.
Picture by: Getty.
Monthly limit reached
You’ve read 3 free articles this month.
Support spiked and get unlimited access.
or
Already a supporter? Log in now:
Help us hit our 1% target
spiked is funded by readers like you. It’s your generosity that keeps us fearless and independent.
Only 0.1% of our regular readers currently support spiked. If just 1% gave, we could grow our team – and step up the fight for free speech and democracy right when it matters most.
Join today from £5/month (£50/year) and get unlimited, ad-free access, bonus content, exclusive events and more – all while helping to keep spiked saying the unsayable.
Monthly support makes the biggest difference. Thank you.
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Only spiked supporters and patrons, who donate regularly to us, can comment on our articles.