Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore Welcomes the Re-opening of Places of Worship for Private Prayers

Calls for communities in Singapore to affirm Inter-Religious Pledge to Strengthen Social Defence

May 20, 2020 — The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) is pleased to note that the Circuit Breaker will come to an end as planned on June 1 and appreciates the phased approach of safe reopening. In particular, IRO welcomes the reopening of churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other houses of worship allowing private prayers as part of Stage 1 reopening.

IRO President, Venerable Seck Kwang Phing said: “This is steady progress. It is heartening to see the rate of infections drop and the rate of recovery increase.   This was possible only because everyone in the community complied strictly with the COVID-19 safety measures over the past weeks. We must continue to be vigilant and socially responsible in order to prevent future waves of infection.  We pray that the COVID-19 situation eases and that we will be able to resume our congregational prayers soon.”

In this regard, IRO calls for people of all faiths to comply with the spirit and the letter of the upcoming safety measures as Singapore restarts.

As we continue battling with the pandemic, we reaffirm the ‘Inter-Religious Pledge to Strengthen Our Social Defence During COVID-19 Pandemic’ launched on April 28 2020, at Digital IRO Day. We call upon Singaporeans from different faith backgrounds in undertaking this pledge to strengthen inter-religious solidarity, support the community at large and promote social responsibility, as one united people.

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ABOUT INTER-RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION SINGAPORE
The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) was founded in 1949 with the objective to promote inter-religious harmony among the various religious groups in Singapore.
Ten (10) religions are represented in the IRO; Hindu, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Taoist, Jain, Christian, Islam, Sikh and Baha’i. A unique rotating annual presidency among the ten religions ensures that all member religions are given an equal opportunity to lead the IRO’s long-term efforts. For more information visit www.iro.sg

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For media enquiries:

Nazhath Faheema
General Manager
faheema@iro.sg