The pastor of the Household of God Church, Rev Chris Okotie, has broken silence on the directive of government banning religious gathering as a result of ravaging COVID-19.
The man of God like other religious leaders who were against churches closure in the heat of the virus said that social distancing in church is unbiblical and against
Okoyie was reacting to the proposed guidelines for the reopening of religious centres that has been on lockdown for months.
It will be recalled that the christ had released a 10-point guideline to be presented to the federal government for approval.
President of CAN, Samson Ayokunle, said that the guidelines was drafted in compliance with government’s efforts to tackle the COVID-19.
Headded that the guidelines would determine the operations of churches when they reopen.
The guidelines, among others, propose that churches should strictly observe social distancing during services.
“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,” Ayokunle hinted.
Plot however condemned CAN’s proposed social distancing in churches when finally opened.
In his reaction, Okotie, in a statement , wondered why CAN would allow the coronavirus pandemic to determine the scope of worship in churches.
“Greetings. I am Rev Chris Okotie. I called earlier to discuss a report in today’s Sun Newspaper in which CAN recommended guide lines for the opening 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,” he said.
The clergyman urged CAN to reconsider its stance on the physical distance guideline, adding that such has demeaned the divine healing characteristic for which the church is known for.
He said that no true minister of God would support such.
“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 maintained.
