COVID-19: Open Churches And Mosques Now – Anglican Primate Tells FG

The federal government has been urged to re-open places of worship that were shut down to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease.

The call for the reopening of places of worship was made by Henry Ndukuba, primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

While defending his position, the Primate while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that reopening places of worship would strengthen the people’s faith in fighting coronavirus spiritually.

Naija News recalls the federal government is yet to lift the ban on religious gatherings despite relaxing the lockdown to allow some other sectors return to normal activities.

Primate Ndukuba said: “I urge the federal government to systematically relax the lockdown and possibly allow churches and mosques to reopen,” he said.

“Allowing us to come back to worship will strengthen the people and as well encourage the spiritual dimension in this warfare and help the country return to a normal life.”

The primate added that it is not sustainable to maintain a continuous lockdown as the virus may not be eradicated anytime soon and the economy will be negatively impacted if the lockdown continues.

“The effect of the pandemic will be much to bear and could amount to more job loss for Nigerians if not handled with wisdom.

“It is not sustainable to continue to lock up places, because the pandemic may not be completely eradicated anytime soon.

“We can not continue like these, to stop people from going to look for the source of their livelihoods, it is not sustainable.

“I am, therefore, pleading with the government that while we sustain the guidelines they have given, we should also ensure that we allow the people carry on with their normal life.”

He however urged members of the public to continue to obey guidelines by the government and health experts in managing the coronavirus infection.