The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Tuesday evening, advised churches to abide by the state governments’ ban on crossover night services.
The CAN President, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, gave the directive in a statement titled, ‘Cooperate with government on crossover night service.’
Ayokunle called on churches across the federation to follow strictly, COVID-19 protocols implemented by the government.
O the controversial issue of “no crossover services”, the CAN top brass urged churches to alternatively convene earlier to give God praises for sparing their lives during the pandemic, before putting forward their 2021 prayer requests before God.
“We, however, urge you all to abide by the directives of each state government on this so as to prevent the spread of the infection. There is no sacrifice that is too much in order to put an end to the pandemic once and for all.
“In those states, services should be closed about 10:30pm or at most 11:00pm to enable worshippers to return home on time. It is a passing phase and this too shall pass away in Jesus name,” Ayokunle said.
Following the announcement, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) sent out a circular directing its churches to abide by the guidelines issued by the government.
Read also: Bishop of Owerri Kidnapped In Imo State
The RCCG Head of Media and Public Relations, Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi, confirmed this on Tuesday.
He pointed out that the RCCG would not want to be perceived as being deviant to laid down constituted authorities.
“As an alternative, our General Overseer will be ministering online through our various social media platforms to members who may not be able to go for the crossover night service,” Olubiyi said.
However, in Ondo state, the government and the CAN Chapter in the state, are at loggerheads over the “no crossover” directive.
The Ondo State government, through its Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19, had announced the ban last week, stating that the enforcement of the COVID-19 protocols would begin from January 1, 2021.
The state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. John Oladapo, fired back, insisting that the association was not duly consulted before the government took its decision.
“Services hold as the normal tradition demands,” Oladapo fired.
We were not consulted. We are not aware of that.
An issue like this is not just a radio announcement or someone just writing from one corner of his office,” he blasted.
Leave a Reply