Written by: Errol Naidoo
Article source: familypolicyinstitute.com
On 30 March President Cyril Ramaphosa increased Church capacity from 100 to 250 people (inside) and 250 to 500 (outside) – in response to pleas from Church leaders prior to Easter weekend services. Mr. Ramaphosa exercised caution as a result of several warnings indicating a potential “third wave” of Covid-19 infections triggered by the Easter holidays.
During a prior virtual meeting with President Ramaphosa, Christian leaders from across the denominational spectrum requested the severe restrictions on Churches be eased so millions of Christians can return to worship, ministry and fellowship under strict safety protocols.
The leaders requested the safe re-opening of Churches and places of worship to a minimum of 50 percent of capacity – subject to strict safety protocols. Many Church buildings can seat up to 3000 people which, until recently, was restricted to a mere 100 congregants.
A visit to any shopping mall or restaurant will reveal the injustice of these inconsistent rules. Malls are crowded with shoppers and restaurants are close to capacity. These and other public places have avoided outbreaks by observing strict health and safety protocols.
As a result of the dire warnings of a potential “third wave” over the Easter weekend and the unscientific assertion that Church gatherings are “super-spreaders” of the virus, President Ramaphosa adopted a more cautious approach rather than comply with the requests.
However, he also announced the capacity increase – prior to the Easter weekend – will be reviewed on 15 April 2021 – presumably, to determine if it sparked outbreaks. Significantly, no serious outbreaks of Covid-19 were recorded in South Africa since the Easter weekend 2 – 5 April – despite street parties in Soweto and other public violations of lockdown rules.
The fact that the “third wave” did not materialise and Church gatherings are evidently not super-spreader events means Churches and places of worship can immediately be re-opened to a minimum of 50 percent of capacity – subject to strict safety protocols.
The Covid-19 crisis and the resulting lockdowns caused much hardship to millions of citizens. Many people suffered emotionally from isolation, loss of employment and fear of disease.
The Christian Church is a sanctuary in times of uncertainty. It is a place where anxious people can receive prayer, hope and ministry in the word of God. Christians yearn for fellowship with other believers. In fact, the spiritual comfort and encouragement the Church provides becomes more essential in times of crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Consequently, therefore, if shopping malls, office parks, restaurants and even taxis are considered essential public services, how much more the Christian Church that ministers to the deepest spiritual and emotional needs of South Africa’s lockdown-weary citizens?
Government’s policy of singling out the Church as a public health hazard is not only erroneous, it is unfair discrimination. The events of the past two-weeks have proven that. It is time to re-open the Church for the spiritual health and welfare of the people of South Africa.
If you agree, please speak up! The taxi industry spoke up when they felt aggrieved and government capitulated. Christian citizens must stand together in unity and demand government treat the Church fairly for the sake of millions of people who need hope.
Please post a respectful message on the Presidency’s Facebook page or Twitter account requesting government immediately re-open all Churches and places of worship to a minimum of 50 percent of capacity, subject to strict safety protocols. Make your voice heard!
Click here to KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.
Date published: 13/04/2021
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only.
DISCLAIMER
JOY! News is a Christian news portal that shares pre-published articles by writers around the world. Each article is sourced and linked to the origin, and each article is credited with the author’s name. Although we do publish many articles that have been written in-house by JOY! journalists, we do not exclusively create our own content. Any views or opinions presented on this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
 and 250 to 500 (outside) - in response to pleas from...){kind=link}