The General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Very Rev. Father Lazarus Anondee has noted that the clergy did not push for the President to reopen churches.

According to him, the move is welcomed and all churches will do the right thing and ensure all COVID-19 directives are adhered to.

“The clergy didn’t push for churches to be reopened. We appreciate the problem and felt it we should look up to the President and the medical experts. The President’s decision was his and his alone. We didn’t push for the ease of restrictions,” he said.

The Very Rev. Father Lazarus Anondee made this statement in an interview on Happy98.9FM’s Happy Morning Show with Samuel Eshun.

He furthered that it was not the business of churches to tell the President when or when not to reopen churches just to endanger the lives of citizens. He noted that the clergy had been working with the government and advising it to do the right thing but never forced it to reopen churches.

The Rev Father however stated categorically that he cannot determine if the ease of these restrictions have come at a better time or not. “I cannot determine if the timing was right or wrong. The President was advised by his group of medical experts and we believe what he has done for us is right.”

Regardless of the excitement of churches reopening and in person service starting once again, the Rev advised all to regard the necessary COVID-19 preventive measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

The President in his 10th address to the nation eased up some restrictions placed on some institutions amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

He noted that up to 100 worshipers can congregate in churches, mosques, and other places of worship from June 5 but risk closure if COVID-19 etiquettes are not respected.