Members of the Church of Latter Day Saints in Tonga are to hold Sunday worship at home.
Elder ‘Inoke Fotu Kupu said this was a temporary adjustment to the way the church worshipped.
“In addition to studying the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our homes, we will pray for and strive to minister to those around us, including our friends and neighbours of other faiths through this challenging time.”
All public gatherings of the Church of Latter Day Saints members are being temporarily suspended worldwide until further notice because of the coronavirus.
Local leaders will determine how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month.
A statement from Church president Rusell Nelson said: “We encourage members in their ministering efforts to care for one another. We should follow the Savior’s example to bless and lift others.
“We bear our witness of the Lord’s love during this time of uncertainty. He will bless you to find joy as you do your best to live the gospel of Jesus Christ in every circumstance.”
New Zealand
In New Zealand, Catholic churches have been asked to limit contact during services to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.
People attending mass have been asked not to shake hands when giving the sign of peace and in some churches wine is not being served during communion and holy water fonts have been removed.
Some mass goers in Auckland have been told churches might be closed. If this happened, it would be a major disruption to the four days of services marking Easter, which begin on Holy Thursday, April 9.
Meanwhile, the leader of Auckland’s controversial Destiny Church, Bishop Brian Tamaki, has declared that he is not afraid of the coronavirus and that the church would remain open.
Bishop Tamaki has described Covid-19 as a “filthy virus” caused by flying demons.
The main points
- Mormons in Tonga are holding Sunday worship at home.
- Elder ‘Inoke Fotu Kupu said this was a temporary adjustment to the way the church worshipped.
