Seoul City to Supervise and Monitor Churches Insisting on In-Person Weekend Worship Services

Request for Denominational Support to Small and Medium Churches Facing Financial Difficulties

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Despite the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), some Protestant churches in Seoul are pressing ahead with on-site worship services, and the city has identified financial difficulties as a factor and requested cooperation from higher church denominations. It also announced that it will thoroughly supervise churches holding on-site worship services on weekends.

On the 19th, Yoo Yeon-sik, head of the Seoul Cultural Headquarters, said at a regular COVID-19 briefing, "We will work closely with churches to encourage them to refrain from on-site worship services," adding, "We will form a mobile inspection team with autonomous districts to monitor churches conducting weekend on-site worship services to ensure compliance with the guidelines implemented by the city."

Currently, Seoul City does not impose administrative sanctions on group on-site worship services by Protestant churches but only recommends compliance with guidelines such as temperature checks, provision of disinfectants, maintaining distance between congregants, and prohibition of group meals.

Yoo also stated, "There are pressing practical reasons why small and medium-sized churches have no choice but to hold on-site worship services," adding, "A significant factor is understood to be financial difficulties."

He continued, "Mayor Park Won-soon spoke on the phone with Pastor Lee Young-hoon of Yoido Full Gospel Church, requesting that the denomination help small and medium-sized churches with their financial difficulties," and "Pastor Lee also expressed that it was a good idea and indicated his intention to support 4,000 small and medium-sized churches under Yoido Full Gospel."

Mayor Park is also reported to have made the same request during calls with representatives of the Christian Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Baekseok, the Salvation Army, and the Anglican Church. Yoo explained, "The denominations will also participate by supporting rent reductions for small and medium-sized churches, and the city will provide support for disinfection and quarantine costs."

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