Rappler
‘Unjust, inconsistent’: Protestant churches hit ‘NCR Plus’ religious gathering ban
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) has described the Inter-Agency Task Force's (IATF) ban on religious gatherings in the "NCR Plus" bubble as "grossly unfair" and implemented without prior consultation.
Bishop Reuel Norman Marigza, NCCP Secretary-General, stated that spiritual support from churches is essential for public morale and mental well-being, especially during anxious times.
He emphasized that churches have followed health protocols for over a year, making consultation before the ban a reasonable expectation.
The ban on religious gatherings is in effect until April 4, encompassing the Christian holiday of Holy Week.
However, baptisms, weddings, and funerals are still permitted with up to 10 attendees.
This sentiment is shared by Catholic bishops, with Bishop Broderick Pabillo of the Archdiocese of Manila allowing gatherings at 10% capacity while enforcing strict health protocols.
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Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, also the vice president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), criticized the government's decision to ban religious gatherings while allowing gyms and spas to operate at limited capacities in NCR Plus.
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The Archdiocese of Manila will permit churches to hold Masses at 10 percent seating capacity starting Wednesday, March 24, 2021.
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The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved once-a-day religious gatherings at 10 percent venue capacity from April 1 to April 4.
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Malacañang threatened to order the closure of Catholic churches that will defy the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) directive banning religious gatherings within the NCR Plus bubble from March 22 to April 4.
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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is urging religious groups to back the temporary prohibition of religious gatherings in Metro Manila and nearby provinces due to a significant rise in COVID-19 cases.
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