Wednesday September 15th: Loving beyond what we expect
September 15, 2021
A change of era in catechetics today
September 15, 2021

Churches closed in solidarity with unvaccinated members

GUYANA

Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has announced that beginning Friday, September 10, churches will be closed for public worship until further notice in solidarity with unvaccinated church members who will not be allowed access to public buildings, including places of worship, as per the government’s recent order in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Worship will be conducted virtually and gatherings in any number, now refrained, Bishop Alleyne said in an open letter to faithful, Wednesday, September 8.

He, however, asserted that the official position of the Church is that all should access a vaccine and remain vigilant. Bishop Alleyne therefore gave the strongest encouragement to those who have still not been vaccinated to please reconsider their 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.”

In the interim, he urged all to remain united in prayer, in their homes and through virtual platforms in mutual love, strength and encouragement.

Bishop Alleyne said that the severe threat of the pandemic and the increasing numbers of infections and deaths warrant strong measures, and this asks of all, not only that they comply with reliable scientific guidance but out of 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.

The Body of Christ, Bishop Alleyne said, has up to now been vigilant in observing the precautions against the pandemic—masks, sanitising, distancing.

While he commended citizens for this, he emphasised that 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,” Bishop Alleyne asserted.