Pastor Chirs Okotie of the Household of God Church, has said his church will not reopen for service on Sunday, August 9, because they cannot wear a face mask during service.
Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu last week announced that religious centres in the state can reopen for worship beginning from August 7.
While mosques are expected to resume service on Friday, August 7, churches are to resume theirs on Sunday, August 9. The governor indicated that both houses of worship will be allowed to conduct services only if they adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols which includes wearing of face masks during service.
However, in a statement released today, Thursday, August 6, Okotie said his church which is based in Lagos, would not reopen for services. According to him, the wearing of masks or face shields is unacceptable during worship services as it defeats the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary.
“Citing various Bible references, the clergy said, for Christians to wear any type of mask or face shield to church, is to reintroduce the veil which was torn the moment Jesus died on the cross. With the tearing of the veil, there is no longer separation between God and his people.
When a man is standing before God in church wearing a shield or mask, he is denying the finished work of the cross.” he said