Bishops in Chad “reflect, pray before deciding on a realistic date” for Public Worship

From the 860 reported cases of COVID-19 in the country, 757 have recovered from the disease; 74 people have lost their lives.

In their June 23 collective statement, the Bishops ask “Priests and leaders of Christian communities to reflect on how we can resume our celebrations while respecting the requested preventive measures.”

“We understand that the decision to open places of worship does not mean that the virus has been eradicated and that this opening must be done in stages and with precautions to be taken,” the Prelates note.

They are concerned because many in the country disregard the preventive measures put in place such as hand washing, wearing masks, physical distancing in public places.

“We wonder if our Christian communities are capable of doing better and if we have the capacity to ensure health security for the faithful in our communities and places of worship as recommended by the health authorities,” the Bishops probe.

More in Africa

Catholic Bishop in Mauritius Calls for Responsible Participation of Youths in General Elections

Read the article

All these preventive measures are not easy to apply and maintain, especially because the assemblies are generally very numerous and our celebrations are lively and eventful, they note.

“We must first of all want to sensitize the faithful through our diocesan radio stations or other means of communication. We also need to mobilize resources to allow the observation of these measures and finally ensure the regular disinfection of places of worship," they explain, adding that they “need time before reopening churches and chapels.”

“The Episcopal Conference of Chad will meet in the days ahead and at the end of the meeting a new declaration will be published to give you a better idea of where we stand,” the members of CET say and clarify, “As pastors, understand that your physical health is as much a concern to us as your spiritual life.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.