The President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, His Eminence, Rev Dr Samson ‘Supo Ayokunle, on behalf of the Association, has called on all State Governments that are yet to reopen churches under their watch to do so now because the continued lockdown order on the places of worship is no longer acceptable and reasonably justified.
The President said despite the directive given by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 with regards to the re-opening of places of worship nationwide, some states like Lagos and Ogun are yet to allow worship centres, especially churches, to be reopened. He wondered what sins the places of worship have committed.
After the sudden emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, the leadership of the CAN at all levels agreed with the government on the need to close down the places of worship, economy, schools, and every other facet of life.
But with the reopening of the economy, especially the markets (both organized and the unorganized) the airports and schools, the closure of churches anywhere in the country is no longer tenable and acceptable.
The Association wondered if the roadside markets are more organized than the churches that warranted their reopening?
It argued that it is the same members in the places of worship that go to markets and other sectors that are opened so why are they allowed to go to markets and disallowed from going to places of worship? or is it because the consumers cannot contract the virus in the markets and airports?
Ayokunle said it is church’s opinion that while the government and other relevant stakeholders are working hard to get cure for the COVID-19 pandemic, they too have a role to play by seeking divine solutions as well.
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The CAN appealed to the Lagos, Ogun, and other state governments where churches are still under lockdown to relax it for God’s sake.
As much as they believe that COVID-19 deserves attention, it is their belief that the affected state governments would not turn a deaf ear to their quest but allow the people to return to places of worship.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
