"We urge churches to refrain from holding worship activities as much as possible and to coordinate continuously with the local task force," said Reverend Manuputty during an online discussion organized by the Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling in Jakarta on Friday.
The coordination, he continued, should be carried out in order to determine conditions in each area, depending on the epidemiological curve, parameter development, and zoning status, as churches must have this information.
If possible, local governments or task forces should issue letters certifying worship activities, he said. Churches also need to strictly carry out preparations on worship protocols and follow the health protocols, he added.
PGI has also urged senior citizens and children to not join face-to-face congregations, and said churches would need to come up with creative ways to help both age groups remain involved in worship activities. "The most important thing is making sure that churches can be centers of education and public literacy regarding COVID-19," Reverend Manuputty added.
He observed that there are still major problems with awareness raising activities on COVID-19 being simultaneously carried out to encourage public compliance.
Minister of Religious Affairs, Fachrul Razi, had earlier issued Circular Letter number 15 of 2020 on the Guidelines for Organizing Religious Activities in Worship Centers in Materializing Productive and Safe Communities in the COVID-19 Pandemic Period.
The step was taken to help citizens carry out religious activities, while taking into account the current pandemic situation, at places of worship, including churches.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta/Aria
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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