Religious Leaders in Mauritius Urge Government to Revise Public Worship Restrictions

In shrines and other similar places, they proposed that the maximum number of worshippers be ten people.

It is important that the government reviews the guidelines on worship because "people are looking for hope, consolation and comfort in the sacred and spiritual places," religious leaders in Mauritius say.

In a November 12 announcement, Prime Minister Jugnauth also directed that weddings and funerals be attended by a maximum of 50 people. 

Schools have also been closed in the Indian Ocean Island nation that has recorded 18,979 cases of the pandemic including 240 deaths and 1,854 recoveries. 

In their statement, members of the Council of Religions in Mauritius say they support the government's efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19. 

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They however urged the government to consult with Mauritanians before issuing directives to manage the spread of the coronavirus. 

"While stressing that a government must govern, the Council wishes to recall that governing through dialogue remains the preferred formula of Mauritanians," faith-based leaders in Mauritius say, and add, "Decrees should not be made on the basis of confrontation." 

In their collective statement, the religious leaders also call for unity similar to that which was portrayed among Mauritians in the early days of the pandemic. 

“These days, suffering and hope exist side by side in our daily lives. It is more than desirable that we leave our egos behind and allow ourselves to be invaded by compassion, understanding and conciliation to fight the invisible enemy,” they say, adding that the people embraced the virtue of solidarity when the disease was first reported in the country.

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.