‘We will not die!’ - Empty pews as some churches cancel services, congregants stay home in fear of COVID-19
Empty pews as some churches cancel services, congregants stay home in fear of COVID-19 Government urges churchgoers to practise social distancing
Published:Sunday | March 15, 2020 | 12:00 AMCorey Robinson - Senior Staff Reporter
Some leaders of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) churches in the Corporate Area and St Catherine preached over empty pews yesterday, as worshippers for the most part stayed clear from their doors as the threat of a public health crisis from the novel coronavirus scare spiralled.
It seemed the church leaders and their congregation observed Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ ban on recreational gatherings, and his appeal for discretion over religious fellowships.
The Government has also advised religious ministers, pastors and church leaders to encourage churchgoers to practise social distancing (which keeps people from interacting closely or frequently enough to spread an infectious disease) in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Many of the SDA churches The Sunday Gleaner visited yesterday were closed, while at others, such as the North Street and Stadium SDA churches, congregants sat metres away from each other while observing strict sanitation measures.
“We expected it; we expected a downturn in the attendance. Right now, we are seeing about 10 per cent of the congregation coming out,” explained Elder Vincent Ming, one of few who attended the North Street SDA “shortened service”.
“As a church, we believe that we should continue worshipping but we should also be mindful of the situation in the society. If there is a full-blown breakout, then the church will be closed. But for now we are good,” said Ming, as other congregants streamed in about 10 a.m.
“We are not having full church today but the doors are still open,” explained Winston Bryan, Sabbath school superintendent at the Stadium SDA. “If persons turn up, we ensure that we observe all the protocols of the Ministry of Health. We are sitting at the required distances from each other and we have our hand-sanitising going on here as well.”
PRACTICAL PEOPLE
Like the Gregory Park SDA, the car parks for both the North Street and Stadium SDA churches remained easily accessible and short of vehicles, an uncommon sight on Saturdays when the churchyards would be buzzing with members, ushers, vendors, and smartly dressed children. In many instances, only adults turned out yesterday.
“As a body of believers, we are not just spiritual but we are also practical people and we believe in the instructions that are given to us. We will adhere to the instructions,” said Pastor Wayne Smikle, head of the Gregory Park SDA.
Smikle reminded churchgoers that there would be no afternoon worship and no Bible class. “We won’t be having any Sunday night meeting, no Wednesday night meeting, and I am sure that the information given will be well received,” he said to the few worshippers who turned out.
GO HOME!
It was a totally different scene at the Apostolic Church of God Seventh Temple of Praise in Spanish Town, St Catherine. There, the rebellious Bishop Dr G.G. Cooper openly rebuked any church member fearful of the disease that has spread to some 140 countries, with more than 145,000 persons infected and over 5,400 deaths.
“If you are fearful and afraid, go home now! And carry your doubts with you!” said Cooper, to shouts of approval from an almost full congregation.
Inside the church, members hugged, clapped, danced, pranced and shouted praises to God at the top of their lungs.
“Put this on your headline: the Lord said ‘fear not, thou shall not die’! He said peace be unto thee. We do not have an appointment with the coronavirus, and we do not have an appointment with death. I will not fear!”
Cooper said that church would continue, and so too would all of its planned meetings for the rest of the week.
‘END-TIME EVENT’
Meanwhile, Bishop Herro Blair of the Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre, told The Sunday Gleaner that church would be on today.
“Three weeks ago when I told my congregation that we will not be shaking or holding hands, people thought I was crazy but I thought it was essential at the time and we have been monitoring the situation daily. I am not going to say this is God punishing us,” Blair said, adding that a section of today’s service will be dedicated to briefing members on best health practices.
Pastor Errol Bolt of the Kencott Christian Fellowship also said church is on today, even as he dubbed the coronavirus as an ‘end-time’ event. He said safety measures have been doubled at the church.
“When you want to distinguish between end-time events that have been prophesised and other events; you look at the global impact. This thing has infected more than 120 countries around the world and keeps going more and more every day,” said Bolt.
Pastor Francis of the Faith United Church of God in Mandela Terrace is appealing to church leaders to be responsible, noting that, “The decision of the Government to refrain from public gathering is wise at this time, considering the pandemic of COVID-19. And Church leaders must act responsible by taking precautionary measures, such as the suspension of meetings during the crisis.”
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, said meetings have been held with religious bodies, which are urged to adopt sanitary protocols for services.