Pastor Mensa Otabil
The International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) is to continue its church services online.
Two other churches, The Makers House (TMH) and Destiny Empowerment, have also announced to their members that they will not be holding ‘physical’ services but rather continue to engage them virtually.
This is despite Government’s announcement that religious activities can resume from June 5, 2020, which marks the beginning of the stage one of coronavirus easing.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, it would be recalled, on Sunday, May 31, 2020, announced that religious activities can begin from June 5.
Also, the Minister of Religious Affairs, Kofi Dzamesi, during an engagement with the media on Monday, June 1, 2020, at the Information Ministry, outlined some 22 guidelines for religious to follow as they resume worship.
Among the guidelines are compulsory wearing of face masks, no handshake, no hugging, not allowing more than 100 worshippers for one service, and displaying educative materials on the prevention of coronavirus.
But the three churches seem to be prioritising the safety of their members to the extent that even with the lifting of the ban on church activities, they still want to monitor the coronavirus situation across the country before resuming.
In a communique to its pastors and local assemblies, the ICGC’s Presbytery urged all branches to remain closed until further notice.
According to the communique, “No ICGC local assembly shall be opened to run in-person church services until so advised by the Presbytery.”
It says “all ICGC local assemblies will continue to fellowship together online as we join the General Overseer on Sundays for services, as we do now.”
“Local pastors will continue to minister to their congregations through online, on-air, and social media channels during the week (Mondays –Saturdays).”
Also, The Makers House in a statement issued by its General Overseer, Michael Boadi Nyamekye, says “at Maker’s House we will not open but continue with the online service.”
“As you are all aware, the President has eased the restrictions on social gatherings. Churches can meet for an hour with not more than 100 people.”
It added that “Looking at:
- Our Congregation size
- Number of services required
- Health of the active players in a service
- Overhead cost
- Pressure on equipments and facility.
- The logistics to put in place, i.e, writing of names per service and submitting it to the authorities, all the COVID-19 protocols.”
“I deem it fit to announce to you that TMH (Destiny Arena) will remain closed for some time until we have clarity and the sanctions relaxed some more. I will entreat all of you to bear the church and its membership in prayer.”
“Hopefully, this gets over soon so we can meet and hug again.
Love, blessings and kind regards,” it added.
Head pastor of Destiny Empowerment which is located at Spintex, Bishop Taylor, also issued a statement to his congregants, announcing to them that there will be no church service until further notice.
By Melvin Tarlue