The Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF) deliberated on issues related to the re-examination of the standard of operating procedures (SOPs) for re-opening of places of worship.
Meghalaya government had suggested that the places of worship in the state be re-opened from the first week of October if there is improvement of the COVID19 situation.
The members of SAFF strongly felt it necessary to ensure public safety amid COVID19 pandemic.
SAFF president, Rev P Lyngdoh and secretary, Rev E H Kharkongor said they also deliberated on New Delhi’s move to re-open the places of worship from September 21.
“The SAFF is of the view that public safety should come first,” they said after the deliberation.
The Meghalaya government has formed a Joint Committee with representatives from the SAFF to facilitate re-examination of the SOPs for the re-opening of religious places in the state.
A general meeting of SAFF was held on Thursday in the premises of the Guru Singh Sabha (Shillong Gurdwara) under the chairmanship of the SAFF president Bishop P Lyngdoh.
Representatives from Seiñ Raij Jowai, Shillong Muslim Union, Central Puja Committee, Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Shillong Buddhist Association, Ramakrishna Mission Laitumkhrah, Archdiocese of Shillong, Church of North India, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Unitarian Church and Garo Baptist Church attended the meeting.
While representatives of the Ri-Bhoi Presbyterian Church Synod, NEI Fellowship of Charismatic Churches, Assembly Church of Jesus Christ India and individual Church leaders could not attend the meeting, they sent their input.