Kochi: An archdiocese of Catholic Church in Kerala on Sunday said churches under it would not offer services till June 30 despite the state government giving permission for reopening of the places of worship, easing the COVID-19 lockdown curbs in accordance with the Centre's guidelines.
Although masses and other services would not be carried out, the churches can, however, be opened for the faithful to go and say individual prayers, the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese under the Syro-Malabar Church said in a statement.
This decision has been taken in view of spread of novel coronavirus in the areas under its jurisdiction, it said. However, other dioceses under the Syro-Malabar Church and other denominations in Kerala are yet to decide on opening the churches, which have remained shut for the faithful since the national lockdown began in March.
Archbishop Antony Kariyil, the Metropolitan Vicar of the Ernakulam Angamaly Major Archdiocese, said he arrived at the decision not to restart religious services in churches under the archdiocese after holding discussions with vicars of various foranes and members of the decision-making committee.
The statement said 50 people are allowed to attend marriages being held in churches, while 20 would be permitted to attend funerals in accordance with the guidelines issued by the government.