Pastor Chris Okotie Slams CAN Over Social Distancing In Churches

The Senior Pastor of the Household of God Church and former presidential candidate, Pastor Chris Okotie, has slammed the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, over its new social distancing guidelines for the reopening of churches across the country.

On Thursday, May 28, the president of CAN, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, released a statement, 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.

Part of the guidelines as stated in his statement includes social distancing, washing of hands, checking of temperatures among others.

NCDC Bill: CAN Cautions Gbajabiamila Against Passing The Bill Into Law

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 treachery of CAN 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;

Pope Francis Urge Christians To Pray More These Season

“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.”