We'll close down churches that fail to comply with Covid-19 protocols

The Christian Council of Ghana has charged all churches to strictly adhere to the safety protocols against the Coronavirus (Covid-19) or risk being closed down.

In the midst of the continuous surge in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country,President Nana Akufo-Addo in his 23rd update allowed churches to continue service but leaders must enforce the safety protocols.

In a letter from the Christian Council of Ghana to their members giving clarity to some issues, it charged all churches to comply with the laid down protocols to help stop the spread of the deadly virus.

“As we have done with distinction in the past, we urge all churches and all church leaders to adhere strictly to the Covid protocols outlined above to help curb the spread of the virus,” a letter signed by Most Rev. Dr. Paul K. Boafo, Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana has said.

Meanwhile, the Council has warned church leaders that they will be punished if they fail to comply and their churches closed down as well.

“Any church that does not comply to the protocols will be closed down and the leaders sanctioned according to law,” part of the letter from the Christian Council adds.

Meanwhile, the council has called on its members to continue to pray for all front-liners in the fight against Covid, for healing of the sick and for the eradication of Covid.

Below is the letter from the Christian Council:

CHRISTIAN COUNCIL OF GHANA

PASTORAL LETTER

TO ALL MEMBER CHURCHES

February 7, 2021

Beloved in Christ,

CLARIFICATION AND ADHERENCE TO THE PRESIDENT'S DIRECTIVES ON COVID 19

We bring you greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Following the 23rd update by His Excellency the President and subsequent clarification of the restrictions on weddings and funerals by the Minister-Designate for Information, the following is the understanding of the President's directives by the leadership of the Christian Council of Ghana:

1. That worship services are permitted to continue and church leaders are entreated to enforce, to the letter, the protocols relating to attendance, ie, maximum duration of two (2) hours, one-meter social distancing, wearing of masks, hand washing under running water and soap, and use of sanitisers and disinfection of surfaces

2. That marriages and burial services, which are held in churches under strict Covid protocols are permitted. It is the after celebrations such as receptions, parties, dancing, eating etc that have been banned

3. That the burial or interment itself must be private, which means, it must be limited to twenty-five (25) persons.

As we have done with distinction in the past, we urge all churches and all church leaders to adhere strictly to the Covid protocols outlined above to help curb the spread of the virus. Any church that does not comply to the protocols will be closed down and the leaders sanctioned according to law.

Let us continue to pray for all front-liners in the fight against Covid, for healing of the sick and for the eradication of Covid.

The Lord bless you.

Signed

Most Rev. Dr. Paul K. Boafo, Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana and Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana