The government is inviting churches to get creative when gathering under the newly relaxed restrictions.

Morden-Winkler MLA Cameron Friesen is hoping to hear feedback from churches on increasing indoor gatherings to 25 people, and outdoor gatherings to 50.

"It's good news for our churches," Friesen says. "Up to 25 people could gather for a prayer meeting, a Bible study, or a church activity."

He notes churches could find creative ways to gather, employing separate entrances to separate rooms and still meet under the current guidelines.

Over the next couple of days, Friesen will be connecting with local church leaders on a series of conference calls, hearing how COVID-19 has impacted their ministry and congregations.

"This has really impacted churches and church communities," he says. "We want to be sympathetic to the fact this has disrupted the way people worship. We want to hear from them on what it looks like as we start to prepare the way... to resume worship services."

Under the Phase 2 plan, religious organizations would also be able to hold outdoors services without a limit on numbers if people stay in their vehicles.

"We know they've been patient, and they're also creative," Friesen says. "Churches have found some very creative ways to meet as faith communities and continue to worship and we want to support them."

While churches can't fully open their doors yet, he says they want to hear ideas that respect the rules while still offering church activities.

To learn more or provide feedback on the plan, residents are encouraged to visit manitoba.ca/restoringsafeservices (https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/)