Some Busan Churches Force In-Person Worship
Over 1,000 Worshippers Gather to Pray
Busan City Shutdown Order Ignored... "Facility Closure Measures Under Review"
On the morning of the 7th, worshippers at a church in Gangseo-gu, Busan, which faced controversy for forcibly holding in-person services, protested against the quarantine authorities' measure for 'non-face-to-face worship.' [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Controversy is arising as some churches are defying COVID-19 prevention guidelines and insisting on holding in-person worship services. Under social distancing level 2.5, religious facilities must hold non-face-to-face services instead of in-person worship. The number of personnel required to conduct online services is limited to 20 or fewer. One church strongly opposed the guidelines, stating, "We must resist Satan's schemes."
On the morning of the 10th, over 1,000 worshippers sat two meters apart in a church sanctuary in Gangseo-gu, Busan, singing and praying together.
The church defined its insistence on holding the service as a "spiritual war." A church official said, "We have now declared a spiritual war and embarked on a holy battle," adding, "We are going through a tragic time where we cannot worship freely in the Lord's sanctuary as we should. Please have mercy on us and help us win this spiritual war."
This church also defied the government by holding in-person services on the 3rd. A pastor claimed, "This Joo-sa-pa government is trying every method to annihilate the church," and criticized, "If we cry out and pray here with faith, we will ultimately be victorious."
Regarding the social distancing and other prevention guidelines, they argued, "This is a clear scheme of Satan to persecute and annihilate the church under the pretext of COVID-19."
The church has repeatedly violated administrative orders and continued in-person services. Busan city filed six complaints against the church last year, but it has persisted with in-person worship this year as well. About 1,000 worshippers gathered for the first service of the new year, and a dawn service was held on Saturday the 9th.
Meanwhile, another church refused to comply with an order to suspend operations. A church in Seo-gu, Busan, held a weekend service with about 500 attendees despite the district office's administrative order. Seo-gu Office delivered a suspension order on the 6th, but the church did not accept it. The church has been reported multiple times for violating related guidelines and has been referred to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment.
Petition requesting the withdrawal of the order restricting and banning on-site worship Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board capture
Meanwhile, a petition titled "Immediately withdraw the administrative order restricting and banning on-site worship services that oppress churches" was posted on the Blue House's national petition site.
The petitioner earnestly requested, "We sincerely ask that you respect the dignity of human beings and the freedom of faith and conscience guaranteed by the constitution for 6 million orthodox Christians and for the country and its people," adding, "Faith and conscience belong to the spiritual world, not the material world. When each person lives with correct thoughts and spirit, both the nation and its people become peaceful and harmonious."
They continued, "The current hostility and oppression against Christianity are the same. Except for socialist countries, no country in the world interferes with church worship like this. In this country, where politics and religion are separated, church worship is decided by the church."
Citizens expressed outrage toward some churches insisting on in-person worship. Kim, a man in his 30s working in Seoul, pointed out, "The problem is the risk of COVID-19 spread." Kim raised his voice, saying, "COVID-19 has a very high risk of infection. We suffered so much during the Shincheonji incident, and do they still not understand?"
Another office worker in his 40s, Park, said, "It is unfortunate that some church members interpret this as church oppression," adding, "I understand their feelings, but everyone is struggling to comply with social distancing and other prevention guidelines," and urged, "I hope everyone fully complies with COVID-19 prevention guidelines."
Meanwhile, Busan city extended social distancing level 2.5 until the 17th. Regarding in-person worship, a Seo-gu official said, "Despite the suspension order, in-person worship is continuing. After an 11-day executive meeting, we are considering closing the facility starting at midnight on the 12th."
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