Churches across Punjab open doors for Sunday service

Worshippers wore face masks, maintained social distance

LAHORE: After the Punjab government announced relaxation in the lockdown, churches across the province opened doors for worshippers to attend services on Sunday.

The churchgoers were asked by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Lahore Rai Babar Saeed to ensure strict implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during the church services.

Worshippers wore face masks and maintained social distance to avoid the risk of contracting the virus.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

After almost two months, large groups of the Christian community arrived at the Cathedral Church on Lahore Mall Road.

Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ijaz Alam Augustine welcomed the government's decision to open churches.

He said bishops must ensure the implementation of SOPs issued by the government, adding that strict security arrangements have been made in churches across the province.

He said the Christian community must wear face masks, use hand sanitisers and maintain social distance.

"No one can stop you from worshipping, but caution is the only solution to end this pandemic," the minister added.

 

PHOTO: EXPRESS

In consideration of the ban imposed on congregational gatherings amid the growing Covid-19 threat in April, several worship places in the country decided to suspend congregational prayers to help control the spread of the disease.

In the same vein, Karachi’s Christian community too vowed to spend the Easter Sunday at home.

They attended ceremonies at various churches through video links, due to the lockdown.

Special arrangements were made in churches across the city to facilitate people to attend celebrations and prayers through online ceremonies.