(ChurchLeaders) Following complaints from Hillsong pastor Brian Houston, the government of New South Wales (NSW) has decided to loosen restrictions on houses of worship that are in place due to COVID-19. As of Oct. 23, the number of people allowed to attend religious services will be increased from 100 to 300 as long as the house of worship has a COVID-19 safety plan and attendees provide contact details in case contact tracing is needed.
“There was [sic] some churches who felt that they weren’t being listened to,” said Brad Hazzard, Health Minister for NSW, when he announced the new measures. “I assure you they were.”