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General News of Monday, 1 June 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Chris Okotie kicks against guidelines from CAN for reopening churches

Chris Okotie Chris Okotie

Reverend Chris Okotie has kicked against the guidelines given by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, towards the reopening of Churches amid coronavirus pandemic.

CAN President, Samson Ayokunle had issued a statement which shows that worshipers in churches must wear a face mask and practice social distancing if churches must be allowed to reopen.

“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 said.

In reaction, Okotie described the guidelines as a "blasphemous infidelity and an impeachment of the integrity of the word of God".

“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.

Calling on CAN to reconsider its position, Okotie stated that no true minister will oblige to the terms.

“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.”