Council of Evangelical Churches: We are essential too

Citing the importance of the Church as a moral institution and continued financial decline, the TT Council of Evangelical Churches is asking to be recognised as an essential service by the public and the government during the covid19 pandemic.

A media release from the council on Friday said while religious institutions were placed in the same category as entertainment in the public health regulations, they play an important role in providing a sense of community and fellowship among their members.

The release also cited the role of several churches in distributing hampers, arguing that if such activities were deemed essential during the pandemic, those who provided the service should also be seen as essential.

"We were seen by the State as the most fitting entity in ensuring that the most vulnerable will benefit from this distribution.

"This distribution was ‘essential’, as such the government would not have chosen a ‘non-essential service’ to fill an essential need.

"Without this type of synergy, the depressed, the suicidal, the abused, and the addicted – just to mention a few in this sordid catalogue, will continue to show up at the closed doors of our churches only to leave with more pain. Who will account for this conundrum?"

The council noted that the church has not been spared the economic impact of covid19 and noted that several churches have been struggling to maintain financial support for their members.

"Many churches are finding it difficult to meet their financial obligations and there are instances of pastors not being paid. These are some of the debilitating effects of the church being described as non-essential."

While digital platforms were available for worship for different denominations, the council said this was not a viable solution as many of their members were in need of human interaction from in-person activities.