Healing?

January 23rd, 2021| Topic: RaMbLeS | 2

The UK is under strict lockdown in light of the increasing cases of COVID-19, particularly of its new virulent strain.

What you should do, according to the BBC:

You must stay at home. The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. You should follow this guidance immediately. This is the law.”

There are exceptions, of course. Here’s one, according to the Church of England:

Under the current regulations the Government has permitted public worship to continue, if it is safe to do so. While many churches have decided to offer digital services only for the time being, others are continuing to remain open, in a Covid-secure way, for individual prayer and public worship. The circumstances in each place will inform a local decision. We urge everyone to be exceptionally cautious and, in particular, to do everything possible to prevent mingling outside of households and support bubbles. We acknowledge and share the sadness many are feeling at not being able to meet together as we would usually do at the moment and prayerfully and confidently look forward to better times ahead.”

Well, some have decided not wait for those “better times ahead.” They want it right now. James Aspell, 34, is one of them. He owns a pub, 400 Rabbits Tequila and Mezcal Cocktail Bar in Nottingham. Unfortunately for Aspell and other owners of similar establishments, better times cannot be enjoyed now.

The BBC again:

Cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs across the whole of England are currently closed. However, they are allowed to provide food and non-alcoholic drinks for takeaway until 23:00 GMT, and for click-and-collect and drive-through services.”

Basically, everything is shuttered, pubs included.

Well, Aspell leaped into action.

Smiling and giving the thumbs-up he was photographed mailing Form 76, “Form for Certifying a Place of Meeting for Religious Worship under the Places of Worship Registration Act 1855.” In other words, he applied for a religious exemption to the shutdown rules. “The Church of the 400 Rabbits,” he called it reverently in the form. But where the document requires one to specify a faith, he wrote, “NA.” Faith is “not applicable.”

He needs folks to sign up and be part of his congregation, “bunny believers,” or even be among its leaders, “reverends of the righteous rabbits.”

Explained Aspell on Facebook:

With places of worship allowed to open in all tiers we thought $%&! it, let’s start a religion! It started as a joke but comes from a serious place. We are protesting the unfair treatment of bars. We’re not doing this to offend anybody or break any rules.”

Judging by the social media response for his bar/church, an eager congregation is waiting to partake of his spirits.

Said LH:

The only reason I’d take up a religion. I’m in!”

KS waxed evangelistic:

I am hoping and praying for your salvation and delicious drinks.”

TH was optimistic:

This is going to be a spiritual place of healing for sure.”

Well, TH got it partially right:

Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another.
Hebrews 10:24–25

Yup, that’s what ought to be going on in church, in the body of Christ. Especially in these difficult days.

For the way is difficult, often dreary, sometimes dreadful. The loads are heavy; the hurdles are high. No one can do it solo. We need one another.

Let brotherly [and sisterly] love continue ….
Hebrews 13:1

SOURCES:
BBC; New York Post