By Martha Taumata Faavae
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Samoa is finally cleared to hold Sunday services on approval from the leaders of the church in the United States.
The approval comes several weeks since lockdown restrictions eased up enough in Samoa, to allow one Sunday service only.
The LDS Church in Samoa was the first to cease all its Sunday services on orders from the church leaders even when all the other local denominations were still holding worship.
Head of the LDS Church in Samoa, Sapele Fa’alogo, is careful with approval instructions for the activities of the church to re-start in phases.
“ We will be very careful and counsel widely, ensuring we are following the lead of the Government and its health and safety guidelines,” Fa’alogo told Newsline Samoa.
“ We will do this thoughtfully and carefully, and in the Lord’s way. It gives us another opportunity to seek to hear the voice of the Lord in the challenges of our day.
“We are confident that He will answer our prayers with love, peace and guiding inspiration.”
Followers of the faith have been holding home prayers since the leaders of the church enforced a world wide ban on normal group worshipping and other activities Samoa became a part of.
The ban was lifted on the 19 May 2020, dated on written instructions circulated to members of the church around the world.
A two-phase approach will be used for the return to worship and will also keep to government regulations to ensure the health and safety of all.
The models to follow are adjusted by Area Presidencies, as local conditions require.
Church stake presidents counseling with bishops, will determine the specific timing for resumption of meetings and activities.
A series of guidelines are in place to follow that will include short meetings with limited number of individuals involved.
Close attention are urged on high risk groups based on health and age or for the unwell to stay home and self quarantine if they have fever, cough or shortness of breath and more.
Social distancing, hand washing and other health practices are highlighted among others.