Pastor Chris Okotie, the Senior Pastor of the Household of God Church has attacked the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, over its new social distancing guidelines for the reopening of churches across the country.
The president of CAN, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, released a statement, on Thursday, May 28, 2020, saying the government had given the Christian Association the go-ahead to draw up guidelines for worship in compliance with the COVID-19 containment requirements and submit it for approval.
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Part of the guidelines as stated in his statement includes social distancing, washing of hands, checking of temperatures among others
Reacting to the new guidelines, Okotie in a statement that it is unbiblical to follow such rules in the house of God. According to him, the church and Christians cannot bow to the idol called Coronavirus. He said;
“It is bereft of any authority to speak on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ. Arrayed in Episcopalian vestments, they are the modern-day Pharisees who arrogate divine honors to themselves.
They have a form of godliness and yet hobnob Nicodemusly with enemies of the Lord Jesus. The true ministers of the sanctuary must recognize CAN’s treachery and reprehensible Phariseeism. That which a man spits against heaven shall fall back upon his face. We shall not bow to the idol called coronavirus. Jesus is Lord”
Pastor Chris Okotie added that no true minister of God would support such guidelines. He said;
“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.”
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.”
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