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

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. Such civilian compliance officials should be
given backing by the governments to apprehend those who contravene the
worship regulations and hand them over to law enforcement agents.

Churches observing Holy Communion service should use separate cup for each participant.”

Reacting to the new guidelines, Okotie in a statement released on
Sunday, May 31, said it is unbiblical to follow such rules in the house
of God. According to him, the church and Christians cannot bow to the
idol called Coronavirus.

“It is bereft of any authority to speak on behalf of the Church of
Jesus Christ. Arrayed in Episcopalian vestments, they are the modern-day
Pharisees who arrogate divine honors to themselves.

They have a form of godliness and yet hobnob Nicodemusly with enemies
of the Lord Jesus. The true ministers of the sanctuary must recognize
CAN’s treachery and reprehensible Phariseeism. That which a man spits
against heaven shall fall back upon his face. We shall not bow to the
idol called coronavirus. Jesus is Lord” he said

The clergyman added that no true minister of God would support such guidelines.

“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,” he said.

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 stated

Recall that three weeks ago, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ
Embassy, also slammed his fellow clergymen for agreeing with Federal
government to regulate church activities due to the pandemic.

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