"'If you believe in God, you won't catch COVID-19' is a blatant lie"…Self-reflection of a church in Jeonju

"Church Criticized as Center of COVID-19 Spread Amid Mockery" Reflection
"You Should Attend Such a Church," "A Pastor with Sense"... Netizens Praise

The church located in Jeonju City refuted claims related to the novel coronavirus infection that have recently spread mainly among conservative YouTubers and some church members through a statement from Church A. Photo by Church Homepage Capture.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A church in Jeonbuk issued a statement refuting claims related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) that spread mainly among a YouTuber and some church members.

A church named A in Jeonju posted a notice on its website on the 21st under the name of the senior pastor, stating, "'If you believe in God, you won't catch COVID-19,' and 'Only those without faith catch COVID-19' are blatant lies," and added, "If anyone tries to deceive you with such words, that group is a cult or superstition."

The A church stated, "Due to the influence of Sarang Jeil Church and the August 15 Gwanghwamun rally, the spread of COVID-19 is becoming uncontrollable."

The church reflected, "The church, which should be spreading the gospel, has become the center of ridicule and criticism for spreading COVID-19," and said, "If we believe in God's grace and providence, we must also believe that Christians can be infected with COVID-19."

It emphasized, "Not wearing masks, not washing hands, gathering for worship and prayer meetings increases the risk of catching COVID-19."

A church A reportedly held or canceled Sunday, Wednesday, and early morning services online in response to appeals for restraint from the government and local authorities.

Netizens who saw the church notice responded with comments such as "We should attend churches like this," "It's fortunate to have a sensible pastor in these difficult times," and "I hope all churches resemble that church."

Recently, some members of Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, and conservative YouTubers have been claiming that "health authorities are manipulating test results to increase the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases related to the Liberation Day rally."

Some pastors have caused confusion in quarantine efforts by making statements such as "Prayer can overcome COVID-19" and "The infectious disease came because worship was not held."

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