Lee Jae-myung Requests Religious Organizations to Refrain from Group Events

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung met with religious leaders representing major religions in Gyeonggi Province and requested that they refrain from holding group events to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On the 28th, Gyeonggi Province held a roundtable discussion with religious leaders at the provincial government's situation room to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The attendees included Kim Su-eup, representative chairman of the Gyeonggi Province Christian Federation; Lim David, representative chairman of the Gyeonggi North Christian Federation; Yoo Ju-sung, deputy director of the Suwon Diocese of the Catholic Church; Maeng Je-young, apostolic administrator and director of the Uijeongbu Diocese of the Catholic Church; Seong-beop, chief abbot of Yongjusa Temple; Cho-gyeok, chief abbot of Bongseonsa Temple; Kim Hong-seon, district superintendent of the Won Buddhism Gyeonggi and Incheon District; and Choi Jong-soo, chairman of the Gyeonggi Province Hyanggyo Foundation. Eight representatives from five religious denominations—Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, Won Buddhism, and Confucianism—attended.

Governor Lee stated, "Currently, the COVID-19 infection rate is very high and we are in the initial stage of crisis, making predictions impossible," and added, "The essential nature of religion is gathering and meetings are the most basic, but I believe that the massive spread of COVID-19 among Shincheonji followers also originated from group religious events, which is why I am making this special request." He continued, "Of course, Shincheonji has a somewhat unique worship method that had a major impact, and combined with its secretive nature—doing things without the knowledge of others or organizations—it seems that even preventable spread could not be stopped and spread occurred." He further stated, "Right now, the province is taking all necessary measures including canceling the two-part system for public institution vehicles, canceling public events, and having at-risk employees work from home," and asked for religious gatherings to be refrained from or postponed, saying, "If we endure some inconvenience in the initial stages, we can avoid greater inconvenience."

In response, Yoo Ju-sung, deputy director of the Suwon Diocese of the Catholic Church, said, "The Catholic Church will not hold religious masses or meetings at all 15 dioceses and every church," while Cho-gyeok, chief abbot of Bongseonsa Temple, replied, "Our denomination has issued guidelines to refrain from all events and gatherings until March 20th, so while there are difficulties, we are taking preemptive measures." Kim Su-eup, representative chairman of the Gyeonggi Province Christian Federation, also said, "The atmosphere is now moving toward 'let us refrain from gathering for worship,' and we are holding worship services at home and via video."

Governor Lee concluded by saying, "Thank you for your cooperation. Currently, not only Gyeonggi Province but also the government and local cities and counties are responding swiftly and systematically to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and implement preventive measures," and urged, "I ask for the active cooperation of all religious organizations so that we can all work together and overcome this crisis going forward."