A religious leader in Yei River County said efforts are underway to open churches while observing the health guidelines set by the National Ministry of Health.

Speaking at Christ the King Catholic Cathedral in Yei on Sunday, Bishop Erkolano Ladu Tombe said churches in Yei will soon open their doors to worshippers after permission from South Sudan’s Council of Churches.

“I am not seeing whether we shall pray in the church next Sunday, but I am still finding it difficult until there is a clear confirmation from South Sudan’s Council of Churches,” he explained.

Bishop Ladu said once churches reopen in Yei, clergies will ensure that all the COVID-19 preventive measures are put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in communities.

“We must also protect ourselves, people and children. We all know the regulations of keeping physical distance, washing of our hands and wearing of facemasks, among other preventive measures,” he stressed.

Mary Ludia, a worshipper, appealed to the government to allow churches to operate to renew peoples’ faith and trust in God.

“The fight against COVID-19 also requires spiritual guidance and protection. As we observe the health guidelines, there is also a need to renew our faith in Christ and pray against the spread of COVID-19,” she said.

On Friday, South Sudan’s mosques opened their doors to worshippers for the first time in five months as the government eased restrictions imposed to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.  

South Sudan has so far reported more than 2,500 infections and 47 deaths from the diseases.