The Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese in Anambra State, Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor, has faulted the government’s decision to shut down churches to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Ezeofor, who is the most senior Anglican Bishop in the Niger Province and Chairman of the Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC) said that instead of a total shutdown, the churches should have been instructed to maintain social distancing.
He stated this in his Easter message to Anglican faithful, adding that the churches should also be further directed to procure sanitisers while worshippers shun shaking of hands during services.
“The Church is the only place where powers are received through prayers, hence asking for its shut down because of COVID-19, is not acceptable,” the cleric said.
The bishop urged the various levels of government to ensure accountability in the management of funds and other resources donated by individuals and corporate entities to aid in the fight against the coronavirus.
In the same vein, he urged Nigerians to turn to God Almighty for solutions to the numerous challenges bedevilling the nation.
Ezeofor urged Nigerian leaders to emulate the sacrifice of Christ for mankind in the discharge of their responsibilities to the nation.
In the same vein, the bishop said that without the death and resurrection of Christ, Christians would be without hope.
Therefore, he urged them to use the opportunity of the season to build trust with their neighbours.
The Herald recalls that the Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, declared Friday and Monday as Easter holidays.
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