By Mitchell Clarke
With a number of important cultural celebrations fast approaching, Cardinia Shire’s faith groups have welcomed the announcement that indoor religious gatherings can commence with 10 people.
Like all aspects of life, the multicultural community was forced to rethink their usual prayer – with many adapting to the concept of online gatherings.
From Wednesday 28 October, outdoor religious ceremonies can commence with up to 20 people – in addition to those required for the service, while indoor services can be held with up to 10.
The Officer Sikh temple wasted no time in preparing to welcome worshippers back on site.
“It’s a welcome decision which has rejuvenated the spirits of volunteers and our members. A prayer was also done to express gratitude to the Almighty,” spokesperson Harpreet Singh said.
Mr Singh said it had been frustrating that bottle shops remained open but places of worship couldn’t operate to provide “spiritual strength”.
“Most of us are suffering massively because of these restrictions. No one thinks about faith groups, everyone focuses on businesses but not faith groups, who also need to remain financially sustainable,” he added.
But with Diwali celebrations and the birth of Sikh founder Guru Nanak taking place in November, he’s just thankful some community members will be able to gather onsite.
“Our volunteers will make sure that everyone is temperature checked, masks are worn, people are socially distant and not indoors for longer than five to 10 minutes,” he explained.
Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria chairperson Jasbir Singh Suropada is also member of the Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG) which had consultation meetings with the Chief and Deputy Health officers and deputy Premier James Merlino during the pandemic.
“Our concern, just like the concerns from Churches, Mosques, Hindu and Buddhist Temples is that more attention needs to be given to the faith communities,” he said.
“At the same time, we are aware that the government is concerned about the health crisis. There are various issues across all communities and in all fairness, they do care and for that, we thank them.”
Mr Singh said places of worship provided an outlet for people to “get solace and peace of mind”.
“During this pandemic, people are stressed. It’s causing mental health issues and people need to be in a sound state of mind as life returns. People are depressed from being home,” he said.
He welcomed the announcement and said Sikh Gurduaras had all necessary processes in place.
“We are doing our best, we know this virus can spread anywhere, it doesn’t matter whether you are a person of faith or not, it can spread,” Mr Singh explained.
“But we have controlled environments – high ceilings, big open spaces and strict controls in place.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints president Graham Smith of the Gippsland Stake said a large percentage of members were still enthusiastically participate in church activities, but many were struggling with social distancing.
Currently, members hold worship services in their own homes and do doorstep drop-offs of food and spiritually uplifting messages.
Mr Smith said church leaders were very concerned about members’ welfare and were always searching for the best way to communicate meaningfully with them.
“This has been a time of great change and expansion, but one thing remains constant – our faith in and relationship with God,” he said.
“The future has altered forever, but we know that the human experience of God’s love for all His children has increased.”
Cardinia Interfaith Network president Kris Bernard, who is also a member of the Bahai faith, supported the decision to hold off on re-opening until absolutely safe to do so.
“Of course faith is important, but given this worldwide pandemic has devastated so many around the globe, certainly our members were also happy to be kept safe. It’s about making the best of a situation,” she said.
“Although some faith communities have felt it more keenly, others have embraced the new normal. There’s many ways to serve and feel good about your faith and I think the virus, in some ways, has empowered us in many ways.”
