Despite COVID-19 Spread... Forcing 'Sunday Worship', What Do You Think?

Government Absolutely Needs Religious Sector Cooperation
All Masses Suspended Nationwide in Catholic Church's 236-Year History
Buddhist Community Also Cancels Scheduled Dharma Meetings
Meanwhile, Some Large Churches Plan to Hold Sunday Services

On the morning of the 27th, an access restriction notice was displayed on the electronic billboard in front of Somang Church in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] As concerns arise that religious facilities could cause cluster infections of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the government has actively requested religious facilities to refrain from operations and gatherings. However, some large churches have announced that they will hold Sunday services, raising worries. Some express opposition under the premise of conducting legitimate worship, sparking controversy around this issue.

On the 28th, Park Yang-woo, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasized at a briefing held at the Seoul Government Complex Annex in Jongno-gu, Seoul, "The critical turning point for the spread and prolongation of COVID-19 is expected to be this weekend and next weekend."

He continued, "Now is the time when cautious judgment and cooperation from all religious communities are absolutely necessary for the safety of all citizens. Since religious facilities are places where many people gather, prevention must be even more thorough."

As of 8 p.m. that day, there were 2,337 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 30,237 tests in progress, 27 released from quarantine, and 13 deaths, indicating that the COVID-19 situation continues to spread.

Given this situation, the religious community is making every effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Catholic Church has suspended all Masses nationwide for the first time in its 236-year history.

Large churches such as Somang Church in Gangnam, Seoul, and Onnuri Church have canceled weekend services. Yoido Full Gospel Church also decided to replace all services, including Sunday services on March 1 and 8, with online services. The Buddhist community has also canceled scheduled Dharma assemblies one after another.

Access to a church facility in Dongnae-gu, Busan, was restricted on the 23rd. The church explained that worship services were replaced with videos to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The problem lies in the divided stance of Protestant churches. Some large churches plan to hold Sunday services. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and asymptomatic carriers staying together in enclosed spaces for extended periods can be dangerous.

However, some believers insist on holding services. A man in his early 40s, A, who identified himself as a Protestant office worker, said, "I will go to church and attend service this weekend," adding, "If we follow COVID-19 prevention rules such as wearing masks, there is no problem," and questioned, "If being in crowded places automatically means infection, how can we use the subway or public transportation?"

Another believer, B, a man in his 30s, also said, "I plan to wear a mask and attend church," expressing, "I feel a bit embarrassed because people seem to be overreacting." He added, "We are preparing special prayers to overcome the COVID-19 crisis," emphasizing, "Giving up worship is out of the question."

However, according to a survey, holding Sunday services conflicts with the public opinion of Protestants.

According to the 'COVID-19 Related Survey of Protestants' released on the 27th by the Korea Christian Pastors Association (Hanmokhyeop) and others, 71% of Protestants currently attending church supported the suspension of Sunday services due to the spread of COVID-19. When asked about opinions on suspending Sunday worship due to COVID-19 spread, 71% of respondents agreed, while only 24% opposed.

Hanmokhyeop stated, "Analyzing support and opposition by dividing faith depth into four levels, the approval rate was high across all faith groups," adding, "'Christian beginners' who can be considered novices showed 88% support and 7% opposition, while the 'Christ-centered group' with the deepest faith showed 57% support and 39% opposition."

The National Council of Churches in Korea, in a statement dated the 26th under the name of member church leaders, said, "While preserving the tradition of religious ceremonies is precious, churches must not put the community at greater risk or become the epicenter of COVID-19 spread," emphasizing, "Churches must prioritize the lives and safety of not only their congregants but all members of society to overcome the life-threatening crisis sweeping the world."