‘We cannot bow to the idol called Coronavirus'’ Pastor Chris Okotie kicks against CAN's new guidelines for re-opening of churches

Pastor Chris Okotie, the Senior Pastor of the Household of God Church, has kicked against the new guidelines issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, for the reopening of churches.

On Thursday, May 28, the president of CAN, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, released a statement, saying the government had given the Christian Association the go-ahead to draw up guidelines for worship in compliance with the COVID-19 containment requirements and submit it for approval. Part of the guidelines as stated in his statement includes social distancing, washing of hands, checking of temperatures among others.

“The temperature of every worshipper must be taken before admission into the church auditorium and people with high temperature should not be allowed into the church, but advised to go and see their doctors.

Every worshipper must wear face mask. Social distancing should be observed in the sitting arrangement with one meter gap between two worshippers. One and a half hour service is enough for a start. There should be a gap of 25 or 30 minutes between one service and another where there are multiple services to avoid crowd.

Churches can make use of classrooms and multipurpose halls for services where available, especially in big churches in order to accommodate more worshippers at a go. Closed circuit TV screens and speakers can be used for those who are not inside the main auditorium.

Handshaking and hugging should be avoided before, during and after the service. Prayers should be offered to God for a speedy end of COVID-19 and quick recovery of all that are afflicted by the pandemic. Prayers should also be offered for the frontline workers for divine protection.

The CAN chapter in each state and local government should constitute a committee together with law enforcement agencies in their areas to enforce full compliance.