By Joseph O. Sayon|LPR News, Monrovia
A group of Evangelical Pastors have reacted sharply to government decision to shut down churches amid the spread of the Coronavirus.
On March 16,2020, the government of Liberia instituted several health safety measures including the shutting down of worship centers, in an attempt to defeat Convid-19.
But, a group of Evangelical Pastors comprising more than 100 said the action by the government amounts to attack on the Church and encourage the government to resend the decision.
In their position statement Wednesday March 25, 2020 Prophet Robert Anointed Leo said the church does not ignore the threats coronavirus poses to the Country but the presence of the virus cannot lead to the closure of churches.
Prophet Leo said the church should be a place of refugee in times of pandemic and not to shut the church down.
He threatened that the church will resist any attempt by the Liberia National Police to close their churches because they are observing every inch of the Health safety protocol put in place by the government.
Prophet Leo said prior to the decision, the National Council of Churches reached an agreement with President George Weah with the understanding to reduce the number of worshipers per service by conducting multiple services, adopt the culture of hands washing and social distancing.
Also speaking, Pastor Amos Beyan said they have agreed to work with government to defeat the Convid-19 and provide spiritual healing through their prays to those who will be affected by the virus.
Pastor Beyan said they will do everything in their range to ensure that their respective churches remain open through a peaceful means.
He said lesson learned from the Ebola, the churches have institute and upholding all preventive measures that are to be followed.
Rev. Beyan stated they will not compromise their faith for anything and promise to uphold their faith at all time.
He said they learnt a lot of lesson during the Ebola time and assure that they will follow all safety protocols prescribed by the Health Ministry.
Government warns pastors
Responding to a group of concerned pastors, Deputy Police Commissioner Marvin Sackor said the government order on the closure of churches remains enforced and nothing has changed.
According to him anyone who attempt to violate mandate from the government will be dealt with consistent with the public health law of Liberia.
Addressing the government tri-weekly update on COVID-19, col. Sackor said there will be no exception to the public health law of Liberia.
