Congregations limited for Easter services
Spiritual intervention to combat the spread of Covid-19, says pastors.
Ask and you shall receive. Last week Mpumalanga pastors joined the call made by pastors countrywide in demanding an increase in places of worship this Easter. On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa answered their prayers.
Ramaphosa said religious gatherings over this period will be restricted to a total of number of 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors.
Apostle Imran Makama, the provincial chairperson of Pastors Against Church Closure, encouraged church members from either the pentecostal or charismatic churches to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ without fear.
READ: Pastors urge Christians to attend Easter celebrations
“I am encouraging every church that has prepared and is willing to celebrate Passover to continue doing so. I am fully supporting churches opening this Easter because Good Friday forms the basis of our faith. “Churches should be allowed to celebrate Passover, especially in this season because the issues at hand cannot only be addressed medically. We need spiritual intervention to combat the spread of Covid-19,” Makama said.
LREAD: Pastors concerned as peers die from Covid
The issue had, however, raised mixed feelings among pastors and members of the public.
Below is what they had to say:
Inkhosi Sandile Ngomane said, “Our people must remember the Covid-19 pandemic is still here with us. They must do everything in their power to protect themselves and their loved ones. Churches must work with government to reduce the pandemic. Pitching tents and having large gatherings during Easter weekend will be totally wrong, because every gathering has its consequences.”
Ps Thulile Mbatsane said, “I do encourage Christians to attend the Easter services and observe the Covid-19 regulations..”
Pr Akab Dlamini said, “The celebrations must go on uninterrupted. Good Friday is one of our core celebrations in our faith and we cannot sacrifice it. We stress that churches should come up with very strict measures to protect their members. No pastor wants to bury a member. This shows we are compliant, responsible, respectful, loving and are praying for government. Government must stop harassing the church. If there is anyone who they think has broken the law they must address it with dignity.”
Pr Sibongile Gondwe said, “The Easter service is one of the highlights for Christians, but due to Covid-19 we are unable to do so. We can still celebrate it within the confinements of the lockdown restrictions.”
