Image: Yonhap News
The Protestant community in South Korea is demanding the government lift a ban on church gatherings that is set to take effect this week.
Amid rising concerns over a spike in new coronavirus cases stemming from religious facilities, health authorities announced churches will be barred from hosting small bible classes, choir practices and lunch services from Friday.
Churches must also keep records of worshipers who participate in services using QR-code based entry logs, while congregations will be prohibited from singing or praying loudly.
The United Christian Churches of Korea, one of the biggest associations of churches in the country, said the ban is contrary to their concerted efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, arguing members have already been asked to cancel, downsize or postpone all summer events in line with the government's campaign.
The Communion of Churches in Korea also said they cannot accept the measures "as they labeled the whole Protestant community a hotbed for the virus spread."
However, there are some Christian leaders who are asking congregants to respect the ban as a way to help the country overcome the pandemic.
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