Members of the Kaduna Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have been directed to suspend church activities to curb the spread of coronavirus in the state.
In a statement released by the state chairman Reverend Joseph Hayab, churches holding services were also directed to shorten the duration, enlighten church members about the virus and some of the preventive measures they should adopt in order not to contract the disease, and also provide hand sanitizers at the entrance of the church so that those coming for service will apply before going into the church.
CAN stated that though it believes in the potency of prayer, it is however not right for any Pastor to tell his members to come for prayers and special anointing only without doing what is needful.
The statement reads in part;
“The challenge of coronavirus is now a global epidemic and many countries in diverse continents have recorded cases of the virus.
“The church in Nigeria, therefore, should not be ignorant of this global pandemic. The church, as a school of faith, which is known for having large gatherings for church services, wedding, burial, prayer meetings, crusades and revival services must endeavour to join forces with government and health workers to stop the spread of this virus.
“Our role must not just be to pray but we must be seen taking concrete steps for the well being of our flocks and the country at large.
“Accordingly, CAN Kaduna State, therefore, wishes to appeal to all Pastors and Church leaders to read through official guidelines and information about the virus, then tell their members.
“On the spread of the virus, social media platforms have so many unverified information that can be misleading, hence, let us make use of information available from the Ministry of Health and other recognized government agencies”.
The President was also urged to assemble qualified experts to develop simple messages for transmission and distribution at places of worship, motor parks, airports, schools and in every gathering, and also not to allow anyone play politics with the virus.
