These days, damages and lethargy from COVID-19 are increasing. Although absolute quarantine cooperation is needed, many religious organizations like Sarang-Jeil Church (over 1000 confirmed cases) and others have violated prevention rules. The government does strict restrictions to prevent exacerbated situations, but some religious people still stick to face-to-face worship. Even schools and some companies turn to online-communication, why do they refuse non-face-to-face worship so much? Let's find what religious/social factors are behind it in some churches and how individuals, societies, and religions should adapt to a changing society caused by COVID-19.
INDIGO interviewed a pastor of Protestant, which is known as the representative example among religions refusing non-face-to-face worship.
INTERVIEW 1
Kang Moon Koo, Pastor | Gangseo Church(Presbyterian Church of Korea), Cheong-Ju
Q1. What do you think about the way the church worships now?
A1. I can't give a clear answer on how to do church worship, because the church is an organization that guarantees autonomy, which is given at the pastor’s discretion. The church is made up of horizontal relationships, not pyramids. It is impossible to compare with a temple whose main focus is on personal donation and offering (to Buddha) or a cathedral with a different administrative structure under a centralized system. In our church, for example, we conduct face-to-face worship under thorough verifications. But we immediately conduct non-face-to-face worship according to the level of Social Distancing. We also ensure cooperation when confirmed cases occur in our region or our church. As I said, this example(our church) does not represent churches as a whole.
Q1-2. But most administrative order to ban gatherings is enforced as a precaution.
A1-2. I can fully understand that some have a negative view. Then, I wonder if it is fair that only religious facilities are prohibited from gathering as a precaution. But to comply with public health, we cooperate to the fullest extent.
Q2. Then, did you decide the form of worship(non-face-to-face) from a religious point? A2. The answer is NO. I don't think religious interpretation should be dragged in this. Like Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. (John 4:21)”, Jesus emphasized worship that is not limited to places. I agree with it all. Therefore, it is just a personal opinion to oppose the government's policy by using Bible passages “They all joined together constantly in prayer - (Acts 1:14)”
Q2-1. Why do you think some churches refuse to comply with social measures and stick to face-to-face worship?
A2-1.Some gerund churches are thought to represent the organization, and others that have followed quarantine and guidelines are also being criticized. As I said, I don't want you to judge the organizations just by the behaviors of some churches.
Q3. What is the most inconvenient thing about online worship?
A3. ‘Non-Communication’. The value of a church consists of not just worship, but education, companionship, service, and worship. These four elements must go together. Even if worship is possible without face-to-face, the other three never are. Therefore, I hope that people understand the Protestant Church's position, which is hesitant to make a complete non-face-to-face.
If we exclude the specificity of the Church and regard it as ‘a group’, we can’t find a clear answer to this situation. But when everyone has a crucial role in prevention, the church's collective refusal to cooperate and its excessive push for face-to-face worship add confusion to public health. Given these unusual circumstances, it is natural to have a negative stance on religious gatherings. To be admitted as a respectable church and avoid countless reproach, strict punishment and internal criticism should be done to those who violate quarantine rules. Also, unnecessary religious interpretation or enlargement of punishment for violating rules, even those so basic where every violator has to be burdened strongly, should be avoided.
Everyone has a right to freedom of religion, but also has a security duty too. Then are Social Distinctions essential for quarantine? What are some factors that increase the risk of face-to-face worship? You may think that there is a clear answer from a fixed perspective. But in this complex situation, you need to be wary of extreme instances such as unconditional permission or prohibition. To help understand the situation with a more neutral attitude, INDIGO interviewed a religious medical staff. Through an interview with him, we could find the need for Social Distancing and other measures, grievances at the scene, and what individuals should be careful about to stabilize the situation.
INTERVIEW 2
Eom Kwang Yong, Nurse | Hospital in Chung-Buk
Q1. What do you think about inadequate non-face-to-face worship against the Social Distancing situation?
A1. In Social Distancing stage 2, there are various opinions on the prohibition of face-to-face worship by religious groups citing Article 20, Clause 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, “All citizens have religious freedom." In my personal opinion, encouraging non-face-to-face worship is better than banning worship itself. Also, the period is being adjusted to suit the situation, not the indefinite prohibition of face-to-face worship. Therefore, face-to-face worship becomes possible if the government re-enters the stabilization phase. Considering this, I wish religious groups to focus on protecting the saints and creating an environment where face-to-face worship can continue through more effective quarantine guidelines until the ‘second phase of Social distancing’ relaxes.
Q2. What is the most difficult thing at the forefront of the medical field?
A2. As a medical worker in the emergency room, daily work is a series of tensions. But most difficult of all is to treat patients with fever of more than 37.5°C. As most people know, the main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever (37.5°C or higher), respiratory symptoms such as coughing or difficulty in breathing, and pneumonia. Therefore, most patients complain “Why do I have to do COVID-19 tests when I don't have respiratory symptoms?” One patient, for instance, had more than eight COVID-19 tests this year because of fever. Due to the government and hospital policy, there are frequent confrontations between patients who have to undergo COVID-19 tests and medical personnel who need to treat and nurse them after COVID-19 tests. Fever could be found in all kinds of symptoms, so the delay in medical work is causing great stress for all.
Q3. What do you want from the religious community and society as a medical person? A3. After the rapid increase of COVID-19 confirmed cases in February, I remember many medical workers volunteered to provide medical care and the public sent a lot of attention and support to Daegu. Many people are aware of the actual difficulties of the medical field, and at the same time, the Ministry of Health and Welfare recommended that religious facilities, indoor sports facilities, and entertainment facilities be suspended. Many religious organizations and self-employed people complied with the recommendation and the people followed the guidelines for public action. The number of newly confirmed patients, the number of cases, the unknown infection route rate, and the ratio of management in the quarantine network stabilized, so we could lead to the transition to "Social distancing in daily life." I hope the religious community, the media, and the public know that until the vaccine and treatment of COVID-19 are completed, the medical community is at the crossroads of life and death as it was in February. Remember that patients and medical personnel are sweating and crying a lot at this moment, and I hope you will fully comply with the current Social Distancing.
The relation between religion and society is close. What method should be sought in the contradictory relationship where exclusion and co-prosperity are? Can't the changing society and the unchanging truth find that consensus? Religious communities need to get out of vague religious fears and to have an essential concern about true faith. Individuals should also be careful not to violate others' freedom or obstruct public health due to indiscriminate criticism or overly receptive attitude. It should also be remembered that in a pan-national crisis, what is considered important and discussed first is economic activity related to livelihood, but humans are naturally diverse in life. Long-term stability through short but strong cooperation and quarantine should be prioritized to lead the existing life. Through the process, INDIGO is looking forward to a return to our colorful daily life.