Rev Chris Okotie of the Household of God Church, says social distancing in the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, should not be brought anywhere near the Church of God.
Religious places of worship, alongside schools, pubs, nightclubs and entertainment spots have been shut down by state and federal governments since March, as one of the measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Last Thursday, CAN issued a 10-point guideline which it intends to present to the federal government for approval.
CAN President, Rev Samson Ayokunle said the guidelines, drafted in compliance with the government’s efforts to tackle COVID-19, would determine the operations of churches when they reopen.
In his reaction, Okotie wonders why anyone should wear a face mask in church and why social distancing should be observed in places of worship.
He considers the protocols non-scriptural.
"Social distancing in the Church of Jesus Christ is tantamount to blasphemous infidelity and an impeachment of the integrity of the word of God,” Okotie said in a statement addressed to Ayokunle.
“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.”
