Suncheon City, Religious Leaders Discuss Response to 'COVID-19'

Cooperation to Prevent Regional Spread Following the Elevation of COVID-19 Infectious Disease to Serious Stage

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] On the 25th, Heo Seok, mayor of Suncheon, held a meeting with Protestant and Buddhist leaders and requested cooperation from the local religious community to respond to COVID-19, the mayor announced on the 26th.

Attendees at the meeting included Pastor Kim Wonyoung (Suncheon Saejoongang Church), Pastor Joo Byungkyu (Suncheon Samil Church), Elder Jin Oemoon (Geumdang Nambu Church) from the Suncheon Christian Council, Pastor Song Waecheon (Oeseo Church) from Suncheon Presbytery, Pastor Im Chaeil (Suncheon Hanmaeum Church) from Suncheon Nam Presbytery, and Boris-nim (Daeseungsa) from the Suncheon Buddhist Temple Association.

Mayor Heo Seok of Suncheon said, “As the COVID-19 crisis reaches a serious stage, the role of local governments increases, so active cooperation from the religious community is necessary,” and urged, “Please come together with wisdom to prevent confirmed COVID-19 cases by refraining from religious gatherings and activities.”

The religious representatives attending the meeting stated, “Considering the health of citizens, the country, and the people, we will take the lead in overcoming this crisis by temporarily complying with government guidelines and thoroughly implementing preventive measures until the problem is resolved.”

Meanwhile, the Catholic Church in Suncheon has suspended all masses and gatherings since the 22nd in accordance with the guidelines of the Gwangju Archdiocese, and the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism has closed Seonmun and canceled various Dharma assemblies from the 20th of last month until the 20th of next month according to the sect’s guidelines.

Suncheon City sent disinfection notices and prevention posters for group facilities and multi-use facilities to 409 religious organizations in the city to request cooperation for thorough prevention and response to COVID-19 infection.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.