KUCHING, Dec 23: There will be no open house or house-to-house caroling this Christmas, says Association of Churches in Sarawak chairman Archbishop Simon Poh.
As he reminded that Sarawak is currently in National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 3, he said the churches’ decision was also in view of the arrival of the Covid-19 Omicron variant in the State.
“Traditionally the Anglican and Catholic Church would have open houses where State leaders as well as various spiritual leaders would join us for the celebration.
“However, both Bishop Datuk Donald Jute and I have decided that the Anglican and Catholic Churches will not be hosting this Christmas Open House this December so as to help minimise social circles of contacts.
For the same reason, he said the ACS Heads of respective Churches also agreed the churches would not be promoting house-to-house caroling as such movements would only increase contacts between people.
Meanwhile, Poh exhorted all Christians, close families and friends to adhere strictly to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) from Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) in the fight to contain this pandemic.
“On behalf of ACS, Bishops and heads of Churches throughout Sarawak, I wish all Christians and friends of goodwill a blessed Christmas, filled with hope, joy and peace,” he said in a statement today.
A Joint Christmas Service with the theme of ‘Hope’ was held virtually last night at 7.30pm. — DayakDaily
