See Some Nigerian Churches That Have Banned Or Restricted Cross Over Services

Some churches have started adjusting their plans for the annual midnight cross over services in compliance with government directives which imposed COVID-19 curfews targeted at curbing further spread of coronavirus.

Naija News recalls in the wake of the second wave of COVID-19 infection in Nigeria, the federal government and some state governments had imposed certain restrictions.

Some of the restrictions include movement ban and restrictions between 12am-4am which would have affected worshippers who normally troop to churches for the December 31/January 1st cross-over services.

This development has made some churches to review their programmes for the cross over services.

Naija News reports the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) led by Pastor E.A Adeboye and Living Faith Church Worldwide (a.k.a. Winners Chapel) of Bishop David Oyedepo, have reviewed their plans for the cross over services and orered worship centres to be flexible in complaince with prevailing government directives in their respective locations.

The RCCG said it will do live streaming of the Crossover Service and urged members to link up virtually via their on-line platforms, also Winers Chapel has revealed plans to stream Bishop Oyedepo’s cross over message.

Meanwhile, some states such as Kwara State and Osun State have agreed to relax their curfew time so as to allow worshippers observe the cross over service.

Some churches in Lagos State have also unveiled plans to conclude their worship by 11pm so members of the congregation can return home before the 12am curfew kicks-in.

In a similar development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) which is the umbrella body of christians in the country has urged churches in the country to follow strictly the COVID-19 protocols and additional directives by the relevant state government authorities as they prepare for the CROSSOVER NIGHT SERVICE.

CAN in a statement on Tuesday, 29th December by its National President, Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo A. Ayokunle urged them to adhere with government directives in their location.

The statement reads:

“The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle, has urged churches in the country to follow strictly the COVID-19 protocols and additional directives by the relevant state government authorities as they prepare for the CROSSOVER NIGHT SERVICE.

We understand the unfortunate state COVID19 infection has put everybody world over which caused some state governments to place total ban on crossover night service and we are not happy that we would not be able to enter into the new year prayerfully in joint fellowship with our brothers and sisters.

We however urge you all to abide by the directives of each state government on this so as to prevent the spread of the infection. There is no sacrifice that is too much in order to put an end to the pandemic once and for all. One thing that is certain is that, the end of COVID-19 is here at last in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) advises that, where the government places an embargo on the Crossover Night service, churches may meet earlier to praise and give God praises for the gift of life despite the pandemic and to place their requests for 2021 before God. In those states, services should be closed about 10:30pm or at most 11:00pm to enable worshippers to return home on time. It is a passing phase and this too shall pass away in Jesus Name. Very soon, the pandemic will become history and we will return to our usual routine services in Jesus’ Name.

We appeal to all state governments to be relating with the leadership of CAN under their watches for understanding and support on their directives. We are partners in progress and development of the country.

We also call on local government authorities to enforce the COVID-19 protocols in our markets and in the transport sector.”

Meanwhile, with Nigeria battling the second wave of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), the federal government has ordered states to adhere strictly to its curfew.

Complying with the federal government directive, many states have either banned or restricted crossover service in their domain, Naija News reports.