The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN ) recently proposed a set of guidelines to the government ahead of the reopening of places of worship.
Last Thursday, CAN issued a 10-point guideline which it intends to present to the federal government for approval.
CAN President Rev Samson Ayokunle said the guidelines, drafted in compliance with the government’s efforts to tackle COVID-19, would determine the operations of churches when they reopen.
Some of the regulations contained in the guidelines are;
-Every worshiper must wear a face mask.
-Social distancing should be observed in the sitting arrangement with one meter gap between two worshipers.
-One and a half hour service is enough for a start and there should be a gap of 25 or 30 minutes between one service and another where there are multiple services to avoid crowd.
Reacting to the news, Reverend Chris Okotie released a statement saying;
"Greetings, I am Rev Chris Okotie. I called earlier to discuss a report in today’s Sun Newspaper in which CAN recommended guidelines for the reopening of churches.
Social distancing in the Church of Jesus Christ is tantamount to blasphemous infidelity and an impeachment of the integrity of the word of God,”
Healing is fundamental to the redemptive work of Jesus. To allow the idol of coronavirus to determine the scope of congregational worship in the house of God is an abomination of gargantuan proportions.
“No true minister of the gospel will succumb to such travesty of the faith. This is a summary of my objections. I have sent this message hoping that you would respond as one who bears the burden of the cross of Jesus.
I have restrained myself from making a public outcry of this desecration and profanation out of respect for you and the CAN hierarchy. But be assured that this position is transient.” He concluded.
Pulse.ng
Nigerians will never change
ReplyDeleteI don't take this man serious...
DeleteBut I like how he ended it. "This position is transient". Meaning he will comply if authorities think otherwise.
Delete"This positionis transient" means the poaition will not last forever.
DeleteKwakwakwakwakwa
ReplyDeleteProphet of ......?
Dear child of God Rev. Okotie, you are not the only child of God in this world. Thank you
Melancholy
I don't even understand all this CAN directive and all, in my state sunday service has been going on well.maybe they are talking about Lagos and Abuja including Ogun state.
ReplyDeleteWhich state?
DeleteYou mean to say una dey hold physical church services since lockdown?
DeleteWhy is he opposing the proposed guidelines? What's difficult in obeying the guidelines and allow people worship and go home, what do I know sef 🚶🚶🚶🚶🚶🚶
ReplyDeleteGrammar!! Grammatically!!
ReplyDeleteAbi o, I noticed the gargantuan. Made me remember a Yoruba movie Higi Haga. Hahahahaha
Delete🤣🤣🤣🤣@oriyun
DeleteSo if and when he start having a congregation of covid-19 patients infecting and getting infected inside his church, how will he now handle it. Oh I guess, the anointing will cover them against coro baby. My conclusion is that we should all seek God's wisdom when we are confronted with a difficult situation or when we are confused. Never rely on ur sense when it has to do with the things of God. Seek him!
ReplyDeleteIn reality, social distancing is not observed in the markets, public transport here in the country.
ReplyDeletePersonal hygiene and protection will do alongside two to 3 services on days of worship.
In my area, all the bars and restaurants are working everyday. No social distance at all. Go to the market place you will not believe what you will see. When you approach them to keep them to keep distance..., They will say that Nigerians are deceving them. May God help us.
Delete🤣🤣🤣 they are all flexing at the bar and restaurants, huh.
DeleteAbuja,them no born any bar to open o. Its strict here
DeleteThis Okotie still be pastor? Wonderment!
ReplyDeleteRev okotie and big big grammar. I don't think these rules would work in my church, Dunamis.
ReplyDeleteAlaye, even if other people are calling themselves pastor, you no follow o! Don't cover and be causing confusion here.
ReplyDeleteThe physical distancing in church should not be between two people but between two families or groups. If we ride in the same car and argued for 30 minutes before arriving at church and reconciling at the parking lot, we have already shared enough germs to sit together snuggly. It is the other couple that always have more to add to our Bible study contribution and their pretentious kids that should be distanced from us. 😆🤣.
Most churches can also afford to have ushers stand outside with sanitizer or even have a sink for washing hands with soap before entering the church. Mask wearing should be compulsory all throughout service and communion should be served with gloves. That's my opinion.
Let me go and check the meaning of that word gargantuan. Rev Okotie the grammarian.
ReplyDelete🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
DeleteFrom d blues? My crush that year, b4 Pastoral work started.
ReplyDeleteI see nothing wrong with the rules o!
ReplyDeleteLet's us juat worship in our Father's house.
Oga shut up, what did you do to help ur church members and Nigeria as a whole during dis pandemic. Pastors all noise makers and money addicts.
ReplyDeleteWhy do Nigeria pastors always like to cause confusion and oppose one decision or suggestions in public?
ReplyDeleteAre they not suppose to be one in Christ?
Am really getting tired of their non agreement.
Yeah ok😔 keep speaking grammar.
ReplyDeleteIs this not the same Rev okotie that copied the Catholic encyclopedia verbatim, made it into a book and gave it a different name... The ladies man pastor 🤔🤔🙄🙄
ReplyDeleteIts very simple,lets abide. I will still be doing my church from home till total lifting of restrictions.
ReplyDeleteI missed his BIG GRAMMAR!
ReplyDeleteTithes and offering money o. Most pastors are biz men. They are into real estate big time too
ReplyDeleteSMH,OGA NO DEY DO LIKE THIS.... those who have ears let them hear
ReplyDeleteBe speaking English there. If Christians choose to remain gullible that's their business but as for me, if I attend church service, no one is coming close to me. If there is no social distancing, I stand or sit outside. With the way people pray pouring spit on each other in the name of prayers. Coronavirus is real!!!
ReplyDelete