A Uganda church has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest applause.
About a thousand members of Phaneroo Ministries church in Kampala clapped for a total of 3 hours 16 minutes, maintaining an average sound level of 88.5 decibels. For the attempt to be valid, they had to remain above 80 decibels for the entire duration.
The event known as “Clap for Jesus” took place on July 30, 2023, at the UMA Multipurpose Hall Lugogo where rules of the Guinness World Records were closely monitored.
“The longest applause is 3 hr 16 min 1 sec, achieved by Grace Lubega Matovu and Clap For Jesus Team (all Uganda) in Kampala, Uganda, on 30 July 2023,” a statement published on the official Guinness World Records website reads in part.
The church’s leader, Grace Lubega Matovu, said the event was to bring people together and it was all done for Jesus.
“In a time where many are struggling as a result of various life events, I wanted to bring people to a place of thanksgiving and celebration. We sought to send a message to the world that regardless of the struggles and difficulties, we must have room for gratitude and thanksgiving. Our primary gratitude is to our Lord and Saviour Jesus in whom we believe.”
“If there’s anything we can do to give glory to God, we will do it. If someone ever asks what the longest applause in history was for, let them discover it was for Jesus,” he added.
Guinness World Records noted that every participant was required to clap continuously throughout – if someone stopped, they were removed from the group by a steward.
Bathroom breaks were not permitted, however, if a participant became thirsty, a steward would assist them by holding a bottle of water to their mouth, which they could sip while continuing to clap.
The record attempt was live-streamed and viewed by many people across Uganda, who clapped along to show support.
The previous record of two hours and five minutes was achieved by Clark Stevens and The Festival of Awesomeness in the UK in 2019.