ICGC churches to remain closed despite easing of COVID-19 restrictions

The International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) says its churches across the country will remain closed despite the easing of restrictions announced by President Nana Akufo-Addo last Sunday.

A statement issued Tuesday, June 2, and signed by the General Secretary of the church, Rev. Morris Appiah, said the church would use the month of June to assess, monitor and evaluate all protocols in simulation exercises with selected local assemblies in various districts.

“This will enable us to determine the appropriateness and effectiveness of the protocols throughout our churches nation-wide,” the statement said

It therefore directed the pastors of the various branches to keep the church building closed until so advised by the Presbytery.

Churches and Mosques have been closed for the past two months after President Akufo-Addo announced a ban on social gatherings on Sunday, March 15, 2020, as part of measures to help reduce the spread of the Coronavirus disease.

The President however announced measures to ease the restrictions effective Friday, June 5, 2020, under new directives which would witness church services and Muslim prayers taking place with 100 congregants at a time and for only one hour.

Following the announcement, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, on Monday announced the protocols to be followed by religious organisations.

While some churches have welcomed the new directive, others such as the ICGC have directed that their churches remain closed.

According to the ICGC statement, the reopening of its churches would be done in phases based on key factors such as the trend of the virus infections country-wide.

“The reports on the spread of the virus in the districts where ICGC local assemblies are located. The preparedness of the local assemblies in various districts to run church services,” the statement said.

It therefore directed all ICGC local assemblies to continue fellowshipping together on air and on-line.

“Mid-week Services Local Pastors will continue to minister to their congregations through on-line, on air, and social media channels during the week (Mondays - Saturdays),” the statement said.

It added that the Presbytery would later issue directives on the conduct of weddings and funerals.