MANY years ago, 2009 to be exact, my former work colleagues and I received a series of robust trainings on human rights fundamentals.
We learned that human rights were rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.
We were also told that rights had responsibilities, like two inseparable sides of a coin, and conflicts often emerge when people claim their rights without understanding the responsibility that comes with those rights.
To put things in simple terms, responsibilities are things that others expect us to do while we enjoy our rights, so that we maintain a balance and live together in peace and harmony.
Two weeks ago, when news of the fatal Raiwaqa domestic violence case made headlines, the idea that I decided to touch on this week, popped up.
I felt it was important then to discuss rights and responsibilities but the online debates were mostly uncivil and grossly unruly.
According to the story, Sainimere Tuinasakea, died following an argument with her husband on Sunday morning of April 27. The husband died after allegedly killing himself. The couple just got married recently.
Also, Sainimere’s daughter spent some time calling out for help but her voice was drowned by the loud sound of musical instruments played at a nearby church.
This article is not to publicly call out the said church but to discuss what has been a long-standing complaint – the level of sound allowed during church service employing public address systems (PA), especially in residential areas.
I believe freedom of worship is a human right. Period. But when worshippers fail to consider those who are not members of the worshipping denomination or faith, it may create grounds for conflicts to arise.
I remember that during our human rights trainings, more than 15 years ago, this was the same example we discussed when talking about human rights and responsibilities – the right to worship and the responsibility of worshippers to consider the public at large.
Complaints about loud church service broadcasts have been making the rounds for a very long time. We grumble and say a few words to show dislike but we do not discuss this in a productive manner that pays attention to differences in opinions, prioritizing active listening, empathy, and finding common ground.
Very often, one group says it is ‘our right to do this’ without considering how the other group thinks and feels.
Focusing solely on a right, no matter what that may be, without considering corresponding responsibilities can cause friction because it tends to create a lopsided situation and blatantly ignores the reciprocal obligations that are necessary for peaceful living.
Another way of saying this is, when individuals emphasize their rights without acknowledging the duties they owe others, this may lead to misunderstanding and potentially – even injustice.
In some places around the world, the failure to understand how rights and responsibilities work in tandem, even on very simple matters, may fuel the erosion of social cohesion, ethnic and religious tension, stigmatization and hate speech.
Grumbling or making snide remarks at home about loud PA systems in church may seem responsible because it may not result in a confrontation, but recent experiences have demonstrated that, at times, dormant dislike can quickly devolve into open conflict.
What I’m saying is, if you have been complaining about this issue for long, maybe it is time to actually do something more constructive.
Complain to the police or relevant authority or write a letter to the editor and publicly express how you feel as a citizen who lives in the same neighbourhood as those who worship using public address systems.
I believe it’s okay to use PA systems during open air evangelical crusades. But when it is for regular liturgical worship without consideration for the level of sound used and duration, the time of the day and the area of worship, it may turn something that is supposed to be spiritually inspiring into a public nuisance.
Sometimes the use of loud music and musical instruments in worship can potentially disturb the peace and cause discomfort among residents nearby.
We need to ask ourselves some questions. Would worship be less sacred or spiritually dignified if no PA system is used? Does the PA system make worship more sacred? More reverent? More solemn? Is being inconsiderate a good thing? Is using blaring sound systems in church polite and respectful? Does it deny people the right to have privacy? Is it a form of imposition of faith.
I believe the use of loud PA systems in worship should be controlled and should not be a source of inconvenience. Sound systems should be loud enough for the congregation to engage and participate, but it should not be so loud that is causes discomfort and disturbance.
The problem I am trying to talk about here may be difficult to solve or seem too sensitive to discuss. There are many variables that need be looked at and thoughts from the congregation and the community at large need to be considered. In the process, feelings may be hurt and anger may be invoked.
But ultimately we must never forget and lose sight of the true purpose of worship, which is to give rest to the weary soul in the holy sanctuary and help him or her experience spiritual fulfillement and peace.
The moment respect and kind consideration are absent, the conditions necessary for rights to be fully realised are undermined and essentially nullified.
Until we meet on this same page same time next week, stay blessed, stay healthy and stay safe.
The author argues that the true purpose of worship, is to give rest to those in the holy sanctuary and help them to experience spiritual satisfaction and peace of heart. Picture: WWW.PEXELS.COM/David Kovacs
