In a church in the Lyon region.

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JEFF PACHOUD / AFP

Closed during the pandemic, churches in Canada are relying on originality for their reopening: in Ottawa, one of them has set up a glass “cell of God” to allow its faithful to pray, in complete safety.

The approximately four-square-meter structure is separated in the middle by a glass partition and fitted with an air filtration system to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Unveiled to the public this week at Saint John's Lutheran Church in Ottawa, "God's Cell," as local pastor Joel Crouse calls it, allows parishioners to safely reconnect with their faith in these times. difficult.

“During this pandemic, many people felt isolated and alone.

We missed just being together, sitting and listening, ”he says.

Don't worry about the coronavirus

For him, "God's cell solves all logistical problems, such as sitting too close or having to wear a mask."

"A parishioner said it was great to be able to laugh out loud (in the cell) without worrying about the spread of the coronavirus," says the pastor.

A recent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Ontario, the most affected province along with Quebec, has been linked in part to religious gatherings, including a wedding in Toronto.

Canada recorded more than 140,000 cases of coronavirus on Thursday and 9,238 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Soul sore from pandemic

Most parishes now limit the number of seats for religious services.

Pastor Crouse clarifies that “God's cell” is disinfected with wipes after each use, in accordance with public health guidelines.

It welcomes everyone, pious people or not, but by appointment only, he emphasizes.

The prototype was designed and assembled by SnapCab, an Ontario company making closed office spaces.

It is currently accelerating the production of structures with a view to their marketing.

People come to pray in “God's cell” but also simply to exchange views or to receive advice on marriage or in times of mourning.

A grandmother with terminal cancer used it to see her grandson, among other things.

Another woman said she suffered a pain in her soul during the pandemic due to lack of contact with her congregation.

The pastor says the cell also makes it easier for him to understand non-verbal communications, such as facial expressions, certain gestures, or body posture.

“Psychiatrists, social workers and pastors, we are all trained to read people's signals,” he recalls.

He concludes: “You can't do that through a mask or on the phone, and not always very well on Zoom either.

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