President of the Inter-Religious Organisation of T&T (IRO) Rev Dr Knolly Clarke says the church has its role to play in keeping the pandemic from spreading by adhering and adapting to the new COVID-19 protocols.
He was speaking in response to changes in the Public Health Regulations No 11 of April 30 to "allow religious or ecclesiastical organisation or any other religious organisation to conduct religious meetings or services–
Flashback: Parishioners pray during Easter Sunday Mass at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church, San Fernando.
Rishi Ragoonath
(a) by electronic means; or (b) for the purposes of recording or live streaming same, where the gathering of persons at any place used for that purpose does not exceed five persons."
Prior to this, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced that certain businesses including all places of worship will be closed until May 23 to treat with the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
Speaking to the Sunday Guardian on Saturday, Clarke said "We have to adapt to the new normal. We don't want to create additional problems. "The pandemic is challenging enough for the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health. We have to take it seriously and not to cause crowding and breach COVID restrictions.
"We must take into consideration the health and safety of the doctors and nurses on the frontline against this virus. We don't know how long it will continue, everyone can do their part and we don't want people to suffer for someone's irresponsibility. If I broke protocols and something happened to me I would be denying my congregation entry to church."
He said church services were closed however, the IRO had adapted to the pandemic times by having its meeting Saturday on Zoom, he conducted Bible studies online, opened the new law term last year on Zoom, and the Anglican Church will be holding its Synod next week in the virtual domain.
Clarke said one of the positives of COVID-19 was that the virus had brought the church into the 21st-century via digital technology, cellphones, Zoom and other online platforms.
He said he will be officiating at a funeral with a limit of ten people present and other family, friends and members from the parish can participate online in real-time.
Clarke said he was not that electronic savvy, but his children, neighbours, members of his congregation help him to get on the digital pulpit.