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God goes online to reach worshippers amid the coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has caused religious organizations in Richmond to turn to technology to share spiritual and counselling support with their worshippers.
God goes online to reach worshipers amid the coronavirus pandemic_0
As the coronavirus closes churches, temples, synagogues and mosques all over the world, religious groups are taking faith online to ensure God's words can reach to worshippers. Google Maps.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused religious organizations in Richmond to turn to technology to share spiritual and counselling support with their worshippers.

Richmond's Highway to Heaven, home to Buddhist temples, churches, synagogues and mosques, has turned into just another lonely stretch of road after dozens of religious ceremonies and church services have been cancelled in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, counselling services are continuing via texts, phone calls and online conferencing to support hundreds of thousands of believers who have been denied a place of worship.

"Although I am not able to talk to you in person, I can still comfort you and pray for you through phone calls," said Shiufong Shih, a nun with Lingyen Mountain Temple at No. 5 and Williams roads.

Lingyen Mountain shut its doors to the public in February, but Fong is busier than ever.

"It has been a difficult time for everyone. Some have lost their jobs, and others are concerned about their future. We have to comfort them," said Shih, adding that she has been spending a lot of time on the phone.

"The phone calls provide us with an opportunity to stay connected and comfort each other at any time."

Meanwhile, other religious leaders have taken their faith online to ensure God's words can reach people who feel isolated by the pandemic.

Minister Maggie Watts-Hammond at Gilmore Park United Church on No. 1 Road, said they have been using the remote conferencing service Zoom to meet members of her flock.

"It's all an experiment. We’re learning as we go. Some people find it easy and others don't. But I should tell you that in some of the Zoom calls, we've had people in their late 80's who have managed to figure it out – usually with a friend on the phone guiding them through it the first time."

In addition, Miri Lee, a musician from Gilmore, has done a few live-streamed concerts on YouTube. And their Ukulele band is trying to find ways to practice online.

However, technology can't solve all problems -- there are many things Hammond and her friends have been missing.

"We miss worshipping together, the time to gather together and feel the presence of one another. We miss communion – one of those things that's very hard to do virtually. We miss the community meal. We usually feed almost 200 people every Thursday. But we could find no way to make this safe at this time," said Hammond, adding that they also miss the music they usually share, sing and play together.

"Our new language for much of what we're trying to do is “together alone.” How will we find things to do together while being alone? We'll find out."