CAN Lauds Kaduna Governor over Church Reopening

CAN Lauds Kaduna Governor over Church Reopening

• urges members to comply with guidelines 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State has lauded Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna for reopening churches after a prolonged closure caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.

In a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna and signed by its chairman, Rev Joseph Hayab noted that now that services are allowed on Sunday, members, as well as clergymen, should abide by the guidelines regarding COVID-19.

‘All worshippers must come with their face mask on during worship services. Churches should help to provide face mask for those who do not have or can not afford.

The full text reads as follows: ‘We wish to appreciate the Kaduna State governor and the state standing committee on COVID-19 for allowing places of worship to reopen from Sunday this week (14th June) after a long and eventful lockdown enforced to aid curb the spread of COVID-19.

‘We know that people have stayed under restrictions for about 75 days. During the period, many experienced hardships, but it should not be a regrettable experience because it actually helped to reduce the number of persons infected with COVID-19 and we recorded a lower death rate in our dear state.

‘CAN wish to thank all those who obeyed the government and health professionals guideline to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus during the 75 days lockdown.

‘Now that we have been allowed to resume partial normal life activities, especially resuming church gatherings, CAN Kaduna State appeals to all faithful and the general public to show good and godly examples.

‘The Bible says to let our light shine that all may see and give glory to God. Accordingly, our people should not be carried away with the joy of lifting the restriction of movement and totally forget health matters for it is only when there is a life that we can worship and do our businesses.

‘CAN is, therefore, calling on all pastors and church elders to give godly and wise leadership at this delicate time. Churches must continue to observe all protocols and guidelines that have been laid down by the government and NCDC.

‘All worshippers should come with their face mask on during worship services. Churches should help to provide face mask for those who do not have or cannot afford.

‘Adequate provision of hand sanitizers or handwashing materials should be made available in our homes and churches during our worship services.

‘We should maintain good hygiene at all times and observe physical distancing in our seating arrangements. Worshippers are to seat two meters away from one another.

‘Let’s make good use of our members who are medical workers for proper use of an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of every worshipper.

‘Our governor has challenged us to take personal responsibility. Therefore CAN also appeals to all to take this personal responsibility challenge seriously.

‘Together we will stop the spread of this COVID-19  virus and eventually defeat the virus. We must continue to offer prayers for those who are infected by the COVID-19 virus and those in the frontline working day and night to attend to us about this pandemic.

‘Let us together continue to monitor the development and not be complaisant. May we all Stay Protected, Stay Safe and Stay Alive in Jesus’ name.