Churchgoers Urged To Practise Social Distancing

Custos of St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, is urging churches which will remain open during the social distancing period, to have no more than 20 persons at their gatherings .

Mr. Pitkin was speaking to journalists during a press briefing at the Faith Temple Assemblies of God Church, in Montego Bay, St. James on Friday (March 20).

He noted that a meeting of the Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches (JUGC) was held to discuss measures which will be taken by the various denominations to safe guard members from the coronavirus (COVID-19).

He informed that three of the umbrella groups of the JUGC, have opted to close their churches this weekend in a bid to stem any potential spread of the virus.

“We have emphasized that all those churches that will remain open…, will adhere strictly to the advice from the government…that no more than 20 persons be gathered in any of our churches across Jamaica and that 20 includes the pastor,” the Custos said.

The groups which have opted to close are the Full Gospel, the Seventh-day Adventist and the Church of God in Jamaica.

The press briefing was held to discuss Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen’s proclamation, which states that Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22 will be observed as National Days of Prayer and Fasting.

Bishop Pitkin expressed appreciation to the Governor General on behalf of the JUGC for “his wisdom, vision and guidance as head of state in such a time as this, and for collaborating and uniting with the church.”

Meanwhile, the Custos commended the Government for its handling of the COVID-19 situation, while lauding Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness for his leadership in such a challenging time.

Bishop Pitkin also encouraged Jamaicans to practice social distancing, as well as proper hygiene practices.