SOUTH SUDAN Catholic Church to continue handshake at Mass despite cabinet bans amid Ebola fears
The Catholic
Church in South Sudan and specifically in Juba has not ban shaking of hands as
a sign of peace during Eucharistic Celebrations, says Fr. Jacob Odwa, Secretary
General of Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference.
Church in South Sudan and specifically in Juba has not ban shaking of hands as
a sign of peace during Eucharistic Celebrations, says Fr. Jacob Odwa, Secretary
General of Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference.
Speaking to AMECEA Online News from Juba, Fr. Odwa
said that the Church has not stopped its members from shaking hands at Mass and
does not intend to do so. On October 16, 2014 the South Sudanese government
issued a precautionary warning to parliamentarians, advising against shaking
hands, saying the decision is part of measures aimed at minimizing the threat
of contracting Ebola.
said that the Church has not stopped its members from shaking hands at Mass and
does not intend to do so. On October 16, 2014 the South Sudanese government
issued a precautionary warning to parliamentarians, advising against shaking
hands, saying the decision is part of measures aimed at minimizing the threat
of contracting Ebola.
So far
according to Fr. Odwa, there have been no known cases of Ebola outbreak in
South Sudan to warrant taking such precautionary measures. “People have
continued shaking hands in the houses and everywhere else here in Juba despite
the announcement that came through the radio stations,”
he said.
according to Fr. Odwa, there have been no known cases of Ebola outbreak in
South Sudan to warrant taking such precautionary measures. “People have
continued shaking hands in the houses and everywhere else here in Juba despite
the announcement that came through the radio stations,”
he said.
The South
Sudanese Information and Broadcasting Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said the
cabinet had resolved that people should not shake hands as part of ramped up
efforts being introduced in South Sudan.
Sudanese Information and Broadcasting Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said the
cabinet had resolved that people should not shake hands as part of ramped up
efforts being introduced in South Sudan.
The decision
was taken at its ordinary meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir on Tuesday 14th
October.
was taken at its ordinary meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir on Tuesday 14th
October.
In a
statement broadcast by the state-owned South Sudan Television (SSTV) following
the meeting, Lueth also announced additional screening measures for travelers
to and from West Africa, where an Ebola epidemic is sweeping several nations
statement broadcast by the state-owned South Sudan Television (SSTV) following
the meeting, Lueth also announced additional screening measures for travelers
to and from West Africa, where an Ebola epidemic is sweeping several nations
“It is
advised people should avoid shaking hands. People should just wave or say hi
instead of shaking hands,” the minister said, explaining that it is now time to
take appropriate security precautions in line with the gravity of the threat.
advised people should avoid shaking hands. People should just wave or say hi
instead of shaking hands,” the minister said, explaining that it is now time to
take appropriate security precautions in line with the gravity of the threat.
Ebola is
spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual, but is
only contagious after a patient starts showing symptoms.
spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual, but is
only contagious after a patient starts showing symptoms.
Source: Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Social
Communications and Catholic Radio Network
Communications and Catholic Radio Network
