A case for resumption of schools and Churches amid Covid-19

Sep 13, 2021 Irene Lamunu Leading Opinions 0

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By Simon J. Mone (Civil Engineer)

E-mail: smone@mail.com

Since the days of the early Church many years ago, worshiping has been by assembling in one place. The children of God gathered together, sang and rejoiced in one accord during Church service. In fact, the modern times have taken it a notch higher. There are Churches where Christians are even encouraged to hug. Assembling in the Church is hinged on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1, where, “they were all in one place together.” Therefore, it is no mistake and surprise that believers are pushing for the resumption of collective worshipping and schooling. Prayers took place as an assembly in the temple and Church, where the congregation broke and partook of bread. This continued gathering of Christians together is known to have been happening for about two millennia. And in Mathew 18:20, Jesus remarks that, “where two or three are together in my name, I am there with them.” Therefore, it is a glorious case for Christians to push for the resumption of congregating in makeshift worshipping places, cathedrals and chapels in the presence of the Lord. Such is the step we need to eventually reach a time for holding rallies, crusades, attracting hundreds of believers in the process, like it was in the past, where these meetings were very safe. Unfortunately, for over a year now, we can congregate no more in places of worship, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic that has to date spared no country. Every citizen of the world has had a pinch of Covid-19 in one way or another. A relative, a friend or somebody close has succumbed to this dreadful disease that keeps changing its lethality. That is why to date, we can only sit in front of the television and pray digitally. The tradition of coming together in one place for prayer has transitioned into online sessions, with live streaming prayers and

sermons, as the order of worship. Schooling has also not been spared. Students have been at home since March 2020 and are attending to their lessons through digital technology. We must recognise that today, Churches and schools face a daunting task to operate, while the other part of society has been allowed to resume usual business. In fact, some crowded places and businesses with a ‘bee-hive’ of activities are all up and running. The question is, why not let Churches and schools resume, provided they put a good case to our government? This is on the premise that they pledge to religiously observe some special conditions. One might be wondering how this can be done. I suggest that Churches reduce their capacity to half and increase the number of prayer sessions in a day with fewer people (where the more sessions, the better). But, people must; sanitise, disinfect and follow all other Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). We could go an extra mile to have no handshakes, no singing without masks and no queuing up for the holy host. These factors must be looked into before Churches and schools are allowed to operate. Additionally, the size of the prayer rooms should be big enough to allow social distancing. We could also consider outdoor prayers and all in all, Churches and schools should have a Covid-19 coordinating task force to ensure that the special conditions are followed. For schools, we could consider staggering class; starting and finishing times as well as break time. The best solution would be to inoculate learners and their teachers. Churches and schools are model environments for the society. It is therefore important that we continue looking at them as so. This said, it would be essential to consider reopening of places of worship and institutions of learning if societal solutions are to be met.

“The tradition of coming together in one place for prayer has transitioned into online sessions, with live streaming prayers and sermons, as the order of worship.”

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