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THE coronavirus pandemic has hit the church hard, rendering some outreach ministries severely underfunded. But amid the challenges, the Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) said holy temples across the country have seen an influx of Christ-seekers, giving pastors something to smile about.
"I think many churches have seen increases in the numbers of persons that they reach on a weekly basis. This has been one of the blessings in the pandemic. Online services have unearthed new opportunities to reach more young people in particular, so that now there are churches with significant followings in the virtual spaces. I am not sure that this has translated to increases in numerical membership in the traditional sense," president of the JCC Rev Newton Dixon told the Jamaica Observer.
Jamaica's first COVID case was registered on March 10, 2020 and a day later there was a second case. Prime Minister Andrew Holness then implored private companies and churches, among others, to "exercise responsibility".
Five days later, there were 10 additional cases and Prime Minister Andrew Andrew Holness advised church leaders to facilitate worship at home. Physically, no more than 20 people were allowed inside churches with three to four feet social distancing.
"All of our churches have traditionally had national meetings; the annual conventions, assemblies and conferences. Some of our denominations would normally have these gatherings that could rival any of the major entertainment and sporting activities in the sizes of their attendance.
"The disruptions, dislocations and distresses that have occurred [because of the virus] have been tremendous in every way. However, the churches' responses in their focus on hope and help have made a significant contribution to Christian faith and faithfulness," said Dixon.
By May 11, there were 505 cases and Holness allowed churches to conduct in-house worship for a two-week trial period under strict guidelines. That was a ratio of one person per 40 square feet.
June saw relaxed restrictions as 20 people were allowed in churches simultaneously, with social distancing and mask-wearing. Still, the usual number of churchgoers was cut sharply, affecting tithes and offerings.
Rev Merrick "Al" Miller, senior pastor of Fellowship Tabernacle in St Andrew, told the Observer this also affected baptism.
"We had to suspend a lot of that activity. But you have individuals who have really insisted that they want to settle, so special arrangements have been made for a few persons. But, it's limited in scope."
Dixon added: "The practice of most of our rituals has been impacted in different ways from denomination to denomination. In particular the administration of our sacraments has been curtailed to some degree. I can't give specific numbers and percentages, but I can say from anecdotal evidence that baptisms have been affected."
In August, although the churches themselves were taking their own precautions, the Government decided to ban church conferences and conventions. This was added under the Disaster Risk Management Act, and breaches of the order attracted a penalty.
However, Miller said Christians have demonstrated high compliance.
"I think the people have accepted it. We sought in every way best we could to comply. Personally, we haven't had challenges. I don't think most churches have had major challenges," he said.
Likewise, Dixon said the acceptance of the protocols was based on scriptural interpretations, theological understandings, the role of Government and the love of thy neighbour.
"We raised our concerns when there was need to do so, but we have had no opposition to protocols such as mask-wearing in the sanctuary."
"I certainly believe that the faith of the believers in our churches has generally been strengthened. This doesn't mean the suffering people are experiencing has been relieved by this accomplishment," said Dixon.
Just more than a week ago Prime Minister Holness again imposed a three-week restriction on in-person worship services with a maximum of 10 people, including ministers, the praise and worship team, musicians and technical team members to facilitate online streaming.