Faithful wary of reopening of Holy Places

P C  THOMAS

The permission of reopening of Holy Places in the unlock 1.0 has snowballed into a controversy as various faithful have alleged that the government’s decision needs revision.  With reference to my article appeared in Metro Vaartha, June-10, many have expressed their opinion that in the wake of the virus looming on the horizon, it is not at all safety to worship in the shrines, therefore raising green-flag for the opening needs a rethink.

From the Hindu community, the famous blogger Sudesh Kumar DJV, shares – “according to me, religion is a _Lakhmanarekha_ to one and all to prevent oneself from wrong doings. Opening of places of worship at this juncture are prone to invite for troubles.  Fortunately, God can see and even hear our silence. Then why this haste in opening the places of worship now, which help paves another way for community spread leaving the entire country into trouble?” 

From the Muslim community Abdul Farhan Shakoor, Indore, shares, “As all other places are opening with proper guidelines and precautions, places of worship should be open for private prayers at least. At the same time, it is also risky, who knows who the virus carrier is!”

The other excerpts from the Christian faith are:-  Anish Joseph, school teacher, Indore shares -  “This Covid situation can be held indicative of what we are, in fact the whole world is facing. Jerusalem is the place of worship of Jews. Yet, Jesus states a time is coming when you no longer will worship the lord in the temples. I believe we need to hold on to this saying. It’s not the place of worship that matters rather the state of the worship. What good do we intend to do now by thronging to the religious places and becoming the agents of the deadly pestilence?”

Mrs Thomas, School teacher, Indore shares-“During this time of test, it is better to worship God at home.  Every faithful should be aware that the number of patients is terrifyingly high in India, hence it is the obligation of the believers to take necessary precautions in order to contribute to the survival and security of society in which they live”.

Fr. Byju Antony, Kerala priest reflects, “It is obvious that the Covid epidemic has invited every believer to come out of our own established structures and customs, - which we ourselves have bound on us - to Worship and Love God in Spirit and Truth.   It is also a time to show our solidarity with the world in co-operating to re-establish a healthy community and society again”.

To conclude, as restrictions on gatherings lifted around the world, the prime concern for common people is whether this is the right time to reopen temples, churches and mosques – all of which are connected with large crowds – when the country is witnessing a quick rise in Covid-19 case!