The Christian Association of Nigeria expressed hope, on Wednesday, that the current ban on religious gatherings in the land may be lifted by the first Sunday in the month of June.
The President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Supo Ayokunle, gave the indication in a statement which he personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.
The statement read that the Christian body was already consulting with the Federal Government on the modalities to follow.
It stated that if the government didn’t entertain any fear in opening markets and banks in view of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, there would not be any basis to hesitate in opening the churches considering the fact that they are more organised than the markets and banks.
It read in parts, “As a law abiding institution, the church in Nigeria and the Christian Association that binds all of us together complied, hitherto, with government’s directive suspending churches services for the past eight weeks now.
“However, the church is well prepared for resumption of worship and as one of the most organised institutions in the country with trained leadership and good guidance by the Scripture.
“We are in discussions with the agents of the Federal Government and are drawing the guidelines that churches would follow in order not to endanger the life of any worshipper and equally prevent COVID-19 infection.
“We are sure of compliance if the government allows our compliance team to work hand in hand with their law enforcement agents to monitor compliance. If the government didn’t entertain any fear in opening markets and banks which are not as organised as the church, why should government entertain fear about the compliance of the church?
“We are hopeful that latest by the first Sunday in June, all our churches would open again for congregational worship under COVID-19 prevention regulations. As I said before, we are consulting with the government on this. May you be blessed of the Lord.”
