Still no worship services should be held in churches with the physical participation of the congregation members – requests the recent decree of the Presidential Council, composed of the Bishops and Lay Presidents of the four Church Districts of RCH.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Tim. 1,7
By its decree issued on 30 April, the Hungarian government introduced new measures of protection and prevention, in forth since May 4. According to the decree, the previously ordered restrictions remain in force in the capital and the central region of the country; Budapest and the Pest county. Other areas of the country are subject to new rules, which also affect the operation of the congregations of RCH. The government decree allows religious ceremonies to be held, but requires the observance of a mandatory safety distance (1.5 m) also in churches.
The COVID-19 epidemic continues to plague our country. While we give thanks to God that the measures so far have been effective, we ask members of our church to continue to pray for the pandemic to pass.
Above all, we give thanks to God that the opportunity of ministry has never been taken away from us during the epidemic. We feel the blessing of the Holy Spirit seeing that our congregations and pastors have been resourceful and persistent in preaching the gospel and serving the community in using infocommunication tools. We thank all those who have been contributing to this and continue doing so.
Let us pray for the healing of the sick and for all those who have lost loved ones due the epidemic. Let us pray for those who work in the health care, for the decision-makers who are bearing responsibility, and for those who keep making sure that country operates in these difficult times.
Let us continue praying for our church and the universal Church so that it remains faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ even during the tests and continues to be blessing for the world in merciful service.
We call on the community of our church to ensure that everyone continues to comply with the regulations of the authorities during the epidemic. Let us also set a good example by using the means protecting against the epidemic, complying voluntarily with the restrictions.
The Presidential Council urges the congregations to consider and follow its recommendations issued on 16 March and to keep refraining from holding worship services and community events in church buildings and community halls, in the physical presence of church members, until competent authorities confirms the safety of community events.
Precautions and restrictions require patience and carefulness. We know that we bear the responsibility to protect human life in our church communities and throughout our country. We trust in the wisdom of our pastors and local church leaders to follow and respect enforced regulations, thereby preventing the spread of infection. It is our zealous prayer to to become able to praise God completely freely as soon as possible, gathered around the Word and the sacraments.
All Church Events Suspended
In light of the COVID-19 virus and in accordance with the latest measures introduced by the Hungarian government, the Presidium of RCH issued a Communique on the 16th of March requesting congregations to suspend all church events.