– Prominent Pastors Reacts To Guidelines For Church Reopening
Prominent church pastors across the nation have reacted to new guidelines by the government for the reopening of churches in the nation following its initial closure due to Coronavirus.
Following the decision to reopen religious centers in the nation, religious leaders have been responding to the new development. While some lauded the government for there thoughtfulness, others believes it is a careless move and that they do not plan to adhere to the guidelines.
Senior Pastor of the Household of God Church, Oregun, Lagos, Rev. Chris Okotie, has rejected the proposal saying “Our doors will remain closed until these profanation and secularisation have been pulverised by the Emperor of heaven.”. He also argued that government is not in a position to reorder worship in God’s house.
Senior Pastor of Latter Rain Assembly, Lagos, Tunde Bakare, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba have all backed the idea and believes the government only have the best interest of the people at heart.
Pastor Bakare commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts in the fight against Coronavirus and also advising church leaders to comply with government’s regulations and told those who cannot effectively carry out given guidelines, “it is better they stay at home and continue to reach their members through online services.”
Pastor Bakare added that he will not reopen service until he hears from God, arguing that his members run into thousands and to segment the services to 500 members would be a difficult task.
Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins also raised his concerns on how active the virus is in the country and stress that decision taken by leaders was to ensure that peoples’ lives were not put in jeopardy.
“I think we should continue to seek ways of ensuring that we keep safe. One just needs to reflect on it to be able to find a perfect balance. I think it is important that we take safety of people, as well as the need to continue to carry on with life, despite the challenges,” Martins said.
