Omicron threat: Churches await govt rules ahead of Christmas

Ranchi: With the threat of the new variant of coronavirus – Omicron – looming large, most of the churches in Jharkhand have decided to adopt a wait-and-watch policy and take it into account the government’s guidelines (if any) ahead of Christmas before finalising the festivities even as they pray that the new variant does not wreak havoc in people’s lives and they remain safe.
“Public safety is our topmost priority and with the Omicron threat looming large, we are awaiting government regulations that might follow in the days ahead of Christmas. Last year, we had followed all the regulations in letter and in spirit to prevent any mass outbreak of the virus through large gatherings,” Theodore Mascarenhas, bishop of Ranchi under the Roman Catholic Church, told TOI.
He added, “As of now, I do not see the emergence of the Omicron variant as a very big threat as most people are vaccinated. Having said that, the emergence of the new variant is, understandably, a concern for all of us and we must exercise patience. We are praying to God to not only give us a safe Christmas but also to grant us a safe and holy New Year.”
Johan Dang, the moderator of Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church, also said that they are awaiting directives from the state and Union governments before finalising the Christmas plans of churches that come under their jurisdiction. “Despite the emergence of Omicron, this year’s Christmas will hopefully be a normal one, closer to what it was, before the pandemic began. However, we are keeping a close watch on the situation and are waiting for directions from the government. We would strictly abide by all guidelines that may be issued in the days to come,” he said.
“In case restrictions are imposed by the government, we would celebrate Christmas in our homes and in our hearts. Right now, we are just praying to god to give us a Christmas, free from the shadows of coronavirus,” he added.