Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan Fr. Dr. Rif'at Bader said on Saturday, March 14, that the Christians comply with the new measures the Jordanian government has undertaken to deal with Coronavirus, including halting prayers in all of the Kingdom's churches and mosques in accordance with the directives of the Fatwa Department and the Council of Churches.
He added: "Christians and Muslims comply with all decisions undertaken by the government, especially on these days, as they concern human health and life. Consequently, I have no objection at all, as churches around the world have closed their doors to tourists, pilgrims, and worshippers in order to preserve human life."
In an interview with "Almamlakah" TV satellite station, Fr. Bader said that relevant instructions were issued a few days ago by the Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, noting that the Council of Churches in Jordan has addressed the faithful on how to deal with the current serious conditions, namely preemptive measures related to the health of the citizens designed not to transmit infection from one person to another.
Regarding the measures that Churches will undertake in the Kingdom, Fr. Bader pointed out that church bells will ring, and that there will be Holy Masses celebrated by priests in the churches, but without the worshippers. All other church activities will be suspended including suspending school classes in all Christian schools, which originally function under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education.
Father Bader also referred to the important role played by social media in the midst of the health emergency witnessed in the world. He said that abouna.org websites in both Arabic and English will carry out live transmissions of Holy Masses to enable the believers to pray in their homes. He pointed out that these conditions could provide the families with a positive opportunity to have all of its members pray together, hoping that the Lord would eliminate the current ordeal.
