Catholic Churches To Reopen On Sunday

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced that churches will likely reopen for public worship from Sunday May 31st, with the final decision for resuming services resting with local clerics. 

“In principle, the agreement is that this will be not only a cautious but also a gradual process to be guided by the Local Ordinaries in their respective jurisdictions,” said Bishop Lungu of the Chipata Diocese. 

The bishop said churches would only decide to reopen after thoroughly assessing the local situation regarding confirmed cases of Covid-19 and other related factors. 

Bishop Lungu also said that churches would consult with local public health authorities to make sure that all necessary measures were taken to ensure compliance with relevant public health regulations aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus. 

“In the meantime, the Church continues to exhort you to strictly follow the basic rules of hygiene, especially those of washing your hands with soap regularly and thoroughly; avoiding physical greeting and contact; observing social distancing; avoiding to touch your eyes, nose and mouth; avoiding to spit in public; covering your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing; and wearing masks whenever you are in public,” he added.

The Bishop concluded by reminding Zambians to put their faith and hope in the Lord. 

“Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest,” he quoted. 

Members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops