Though members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in French Polynesia are eagerly involved in the #LightTheWorld initiative and focused on Jesus Christ to spread words of joy, peace and gratitude through service to others this Christmas, they cannot overlook the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, 8 December, the High Commissioner of the French Republic and representatives of the Government of French Polynesia met again with religious groups to discuss the organization of Christmas services, masses and family festivities and the necessary adjustments to these celebrations to fight against the spread of the virus.
The High Commissioner of French Polynesia, Dominique Sorain (left), explaining the situation with Covid-19 and the Christmas holiday, with the Vice-President Teari Alpha at his left. December 2020
The High Commissioner of French Polynesia, Dominique Sorain (left), explaining the situation with Covid-19 and the Christmas holiday, with the Vice-President Teari Alpha at his left. December 2020© 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Elder Benjamin Sinjoux represented The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, alongside six representatives of other faiths, and he reiterated the Church's support for these measures.
“This severe health crisis compels us to strictly follow mask wearing and social distancing measures. We encourage our members to remain vigilant and exemplary in following the instructions given by our government authorities," he said.
“Even so, our Savior Jesus Christ remains our source of hope for healing and comfort as we prepare to celebrate His birth this Christmas season.”
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Elder Benjamin Sinjoux (center) attends a meeting with members of the French Polynesian government and representatives from religious denominations to discuss the upcoming Christmas holiday and adhering to Covid-19 restrictions. December 2020© 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Dominique Sorain, High Commissioner, said: "The time has not yet come to relax our efforts if we want to have a peaceful 2021 year, so restrictive measures and the curfew will be maintained until January 15, 2021."
He added: "The protective measures during Christmas religious events must be continued and even strengthened. Our upcoming joyous reunions must not give rise to new cases of infection."
Teari Alpha, Vice-President of French Polynesia, offered his support to those gathered there as well. “I would like to thank your faithful members and your wards for their efforts to fight this pandemic. We are happy to announce that starting in January, the vaccine will be available and free to everyone in French Polynesia.
‘During this holiday season, we must continue to wear masks and social distance because we love our families and we want to spare them from this dangerous disease."
Adherence to the country's directives is fully in line with the teachings of the Church authorities who have recently reiterated the importance of fully participating in the fight against the spread of the virus.
Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the First Presidency of the Church, has emphasized the importance of taking the recommendations of government authorities very seriously. “As we look forward to possible Christmas gatherings of our families, we must remember the precautions we have been given to reduce exposure to COVID-19."
Dale G. Renlund, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, also urged, “In the case of this pandemic, that means respecting physical distancing, wearing a mask and avoiding large gatherings. These measures show our love for others while protecting ourselves. Wearing a mask is a sign of Christian love for our brothers and sisters.”