"Cannot Accept Level 4 Measures"... Sarang Jeil Church Forces 'On-site Worship'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, defied the 'Social Distancing Level 4' measure that prohibits in-person activities at religious facilities and held an on-site worship service on the 18th.

Church members checked their infection status using COVID-19 self-diagnosis kits before entering the sanctuary. Attendance lists were prepared, and body disinfection was also conducted.

Initially, the Seoul city government planned to file charges against church officials for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act after confirming the in-person worship service. However, it was reported that the church's legal team blocked city officials from entering, preventing verification of the worship site. There were reportedly loud exchanges between the public officials attempting to enter and the lawyers.

As the government declared the full onset of the fourth wave of COVID-19, social distancing measures in the metropolitan area were raised to Level 4 starting from the 12th. Under Level 4, in-person gatherings at religious facilities are prohibited.

Sarang Jeil Church is currently on trial for violating Seoul city's ban on gatherings by holding on-site worship services in April last year. In August, the church's facilities were closed for two weeks due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the church.

The church stated, "We cannot accept the government's Social Distancing Level 4 measures," and declared their intention to continue holding on-site worship services while following their own quarantine guidelines as before.

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