[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Shin-won] Pastor Bang In-seong, an advisor to the Church Reform Practice Solidarity, pointed out regarding the mass outbreak of COVID-19 cases at Eunhyeui-gang Church in Seongnam City, saying, "Thinking that traditional worship is the entirety of the church is a shallow faith."
On the 17th, Pastor Bang appeared on KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs' and said, "The government is respecting the religious community by asking, not forcing, restraint on worship, but many Protestant churches are stubbornly insisting on holding services, which is embarrassing and regrettable."
He criticized, "The seriousness of the COVID-19 crisis is spreading worldwide, and churches should take the lead and be at the forefront of overcoming the crisis, but it is devastating that they are causing anxiety. Worship services, masses, and Buddhist ceremonies are important in religious organizations, but thinking that not holding worship during such a crisis means the church’s identity is collapsing is a distorted theology."
He continued, "The Bible says 'Be diligent to meet together,' but conversely, the Bible has more verses like 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' and 'To do justice and righteousness is more pleasing to God than sacrifice.' However, by emphasizing collective worship, the Korean church has grown, but through the COVID-19 situation, we have come to see that it causes the loss of the essence of worship and the faithful living a righteous life according to their faith."
Regarding Eunhyeui-gang Church in Seongnam, he said, "(Eunhyeui-gang Church) is a church rumored to heal through faith or prayer imposition for those who are suffering, patients, or those physically and mentally distressed." He pointed out, "While this is a necessary aspect of faith, if one becomes immersed in this world, common sense breaks down, and those who come for healing may lose everything in frustration and despair."
According to Seongnam City, despite the government and Gyeonggi Province's request to refrain from religious gatherings on the 8th, Eunhyeui-gang Church insisted on holding worship services, resulting in 49 people, including the pastor and his spouse, being collectively infected with COVID-19. Additionally, two more people, including a congregant’s son and a resident who had contact with him, were confirmed positive, bringing the total number of confirmed cases related to Eunhyeui-gang Church to 51.
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