Bishop Francis Alleyne has announced that Guyana’s Roman Catholic churches will be suspending public worship indefinitely, while saying virtual services would be held in solidarity with parishioners who would otherwise not be allowed entry as a result of the government’s recent restrictions on access to public spaces by unvaccinated persons.
“Our churches will be closed for public worship until further notice,” Bishop Alleyne said in a statement to church members that was released on Wednesday, in which he also urged that persons get vaccinated against COVID-19.
He said from Friday, September 10, the churches would be conducting all worship virtually.
Further tightening of COVID regulations, the government last Saturday gazetted a measure requiring that persons who want to enter buildings to which the public has access to be vaccinated or show evidence of a recent negative PCR test result. It has been criticized as a violation of civil liberties as the administration is seeking to increase vaccine uptake.
Bishop Alleyne’s statement follows:
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As you should know, the most recent order gazetted in relation to the COVID pandemic stipulates that persons accessing public buildings, including places of worship, need to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test.
This means that many of our brothers and sisters, at this time, will not be allowed entry into our churches. We ought not to leave part of the body detached from the whole. Therefore, in solidarity with these brothers and sisters, and beginning on Friday 10th September, we will conduct all our worship virtually and refrain from gathering in any number. Our churches will be closed for public worship until further notice.
The severe threat of the pandemic and the increasing numbers of infections and deaths warrants strong measures and this asks of us, not only that we comply with reliable scientific guidance but out of our Christian conviction, to go beyond the call and act in favour of the common good to the extent that it is necessary and involves sacrifice. “if anyone requires you to go one mile, go two miles with him” (Mt 5:41).
The Body of Christ has up to now been vigilant in observing the precautions against the pandemic – masks, sanitizing, distancing – and I commend you for this. But now the threat has become more intense and we have to ask ourselves “what more must we do?” The term “Herd immunity” has been presented to us. It means that when a high percentage of the population (80%) has been vaccinated it becomes extremely difficult for the virus to spread. The science is sound on this and worthy of our trust. The official teaching of the Church is that we would all access a vaccine and remain vigilant. I therefore give the strongest encouragement to our brothers and sisters who have still not been vaccinated to please reconsider your decision. I am calling on you to act in the interest of the common good and to do your part in safeguarding the well-being of all.
Meanwhile let us all remain united in prayer, in our homes and through our virtual platforms in mutual love, strength and encouragement.
Editor’s note: The headline of this report has been revised as the initial wording may have conveyed a wrong impression.
