During difficult times, faith has always provided people with comfort. As form of solace and offering hope, the importance of faith during trying times cannot be ignored.
On Tuesday night, May 26, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation yet again. This time, to focus on a call for prayer and to discuss opening places of worship.
“I would like to address you on matters that are of great importance to many people in our country – firstly, the call by religious leaders for a day of prayer as the country unites against the coronavirus pandemic, and, secondly, the decisions of the National Coronavirus Command Council on proposals made by religious leaders on the gradual resumption of certain religious activities.”
In helping South Africa cope during these difficulties, the government acknowledges and welcomes the call that has been made by religious leaders for a day of prayer.
“Prayer will comfort and strengthen us as we continue to confront this pandemic,” Ramaphosa emphasised.
Ramaphosa said the National Coronavirus Command Council has discussed the proposals put forward by religious leaders. The council has determined that they should accede to the proposals put forward in accordance with certain norms and standards.
“South Africans are a people of deep faith. Our faith is what has seen us through many dark times and sustained us. We understand the great impact that the closure of places of worship have had on members of the faith community, and that this has worsened the distress of communities who are unable to worship in congregation.
Leaders in the faith community provide spiritual guidance, care and counselling to millions of South Africans. “We are immensely grateful that from the beginning of our task of addressing this health crisis they have stood with us and provided advice, guidance, support and encouragement from the very beginning,” Ramaphosa added.
As South Africa now prepares to move to level 3 of the nationwide lockdown, Ramaphosa said the government recognises and appreciate religious leaders’ deep desire to return to their duties, to serve their communities and to serve society.
“After consideration following consultation with our religious leaders, we have therefore determined that as part of the regulations for alert level 3, the current restrictions on congregational worship will be eased in a carefully measured way.”
This means that places of worship may re-open subject to strict restrictions. Restrictions which are necessary to prevent infections from increasing.
Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other recognised places of worship may resume services. However, these will be limited in size to 50 people or less, depending on the space available.
Social distancing will have to be observed. All worshippers and participants will have to wear face masks in line with the current regulations.
Furthermore, all religious organisations must put protocols in place. The protocols must include thoroughly cleaning and sanitising places for worship before and after services.
“Our faith communities must ensure that any religious rituals that carry even the slightest possibility of exposing worshippers to risk should be avoided, and that where they form an essential part of religious practice, that sanitisation is paramount.”
According to Ramaphosa, religious leaders will be recognised as essential religious frontline workers. Their purpose to provide spiritual counselling to members of their faith organisations.
Religious leaders will continue to officiate at funerals of no more than 50 people.
However, Ramaphosa emphasises the race is far from won. Now is the time the collective energies and efforts of all our people will be needed now as never before.
“I, therefore, urge all South Africans to heed the call of the leaders of our various faith communities for a national day of prayer on Sunday, May 31, when we will once again come together to pray for the healing of our land and the protection of our people. On this day, wherever we may be, I call upon you to turn your thoughts to all who have been affected by this pandemic. On this day, we should remember those who are working to keep us safe, those who are suffering and grieving.”
As the call of prayer calls for South Africans to unite as one, what are your thoughts on religious organisations being allowed to reopen again? Share your views and thoughts with us in the comment section below.
