Catholic Church Reacts After Priest Stops Members Without PVC From Attending Mass

The Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Plateau has disassociated from priest, Rev. Fr. Kefas Gogwim seen in viral video  stopping parishioners without Permanent Voter’s Card from gaining access into the church.

Naija News reports that the Director of Communications of the Diocese, Rev Fr. Andrew Dewan Danjuma, in a statement released on Monday, June 13,  made this known after the controversial video surfaced on social media.

Recall, a viral video of stranded parishioners denied gaining access into the church by the priest, Kefas for not having their Permanent Voters Card.

The priest could be heard asking those with their PVCs to enter the church hall while those without their PVCs to return home.

He said his action is to encourage his members to ensure they get their PVCs so they can participate in the forthcoming general elections.

Reacting to the development, Dr, Andrew Dewan Danjuma, disclosed that the Bishop distances himself from the action, stating that the priests does not have the approval of the Bishop nor is it a policy of the diocese. The statement adds that the action of the Bishop stands regretted.

The statement reads partly; “The action of this priest did not have the approval of the Bishop neither is it the policy of the diocese. Hence, the Diocese disassociates itself from this video in circulation and regrets the unfortunate incident, much as parishioners are encouraged to obtain their PVC’s to excercise their civic duties.”