The Head of the Anglican Church in Melanesia, the Most Rev. Leonard Dawea, has asked Anglican churches in the Solomon Islands to postpone Church services this weekend in light of government warnings of a COVID-19 surge.

“I am taking the unprecedented but necessary step to advise all parishes within the Diocese of Central Melanesia that all Holy Eucharist services for this weekend are hereby suspended until further notice,” said Archbishop Leonard Dawea in a prepared statement.

“Please note that this course of action is in no way undermines nor diminishes our faith in God expressed through our communal gathering around the Lord’s table. Instead, it is a demonstration of our faith in action, displaying the wisdom and knowledge God has endowed upon us as individuals and on those he has gifted with the care of our physical health.

“Parishes may wish to proceed with normal morning prayers but with strict observance of safe health practices issued by our health and relevant authorities. We will understand if parishes may decide to suspend all forms of public worship altogether and instead encourage family worship in our homes.

“I am issuing this statement subject to any further guidelines that may be issued by the Prime minister’s office later this afternoon or from time to time.

“Please take care of yourselves and our families at this very uncertain and highly risky environment. But most importantly, continue to seek God’s protection over our country and its people,” the Archbishops statement concluded.

Source: anglican.ink