ABEOKUTA– The General Overseer of the Divine Universal Church Of Christ International, Itedo Ayo, Oke Berger-Idi Mango, Abeokuta, Rev. Dr. Olayiwola Mercy has stated that it would be difficult for smaller churches to adhere strictly to the covid-19 protocols.
The clergyman stated this while granting audience with newsmen who visited the church, to ascertain the compliance level to covid-19 protocols for the re-opening of worship centers in the state.
“We are so happy, but the guidelines given, I don’t think it is easy to follow those guidelines, most especially the pastor that are still coming up, it will be difficult for them to follow the guidelines”
“The guidelines are very difficult, no guidelines given to politicians to do rally in Edo. Go to campaign, no social distancing, thousand of people are always at the rally”
“Everybody witnessed Abba Kyari’s burial, no social distancing in Kashamu’s burial, but when it comes to church and mosque they refused to open. I dont know why they have hated worship centers”
“Some pastors during Covid-19 find it difficult to feed themselves, at least I sent money to about 45 pastors” he said
He maintained that despite the joy of reopening worship centers in the State, worshipers were at a loss with the continua closure even when the markets, schools and others were opened.
“Though pandemic does not tell one that it is coming. We were not really happy that a government can close down worship centers. We have been expecting them to open churches because church is easy to be control than market”
“It was when they open market that we have been expecting them to open churches, that they now open today”
On life after the lockdown for religious outfit, Rev. Mercy said he feared that some churches will loose membership as a result of the lockdown, adding that people’s interest in religious activities has been weakened.
“We are really effected. We are just beginning to start again, many churches will loose 70 percent of their members. Look at lagos, they opened last week, not everybody went to church, it has really weakened interest of people”
“We have to start doing evangelism again, we will be calling people to come” he lamented
He however prayed that never again in the history of mankind would the churches, being the spiritual aspect of mankind should be closed again, howbeit because of pandemic
