You are here: HomeNews2020 08 08Article 367633

General News of Saturday, 8 August 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

COVID-19: Pastor Sam Adeyemi criticized for refusing to reopen church

Pastor Sam Adeyemi Pastor Sam Adeyemi

Pastor Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Christian Center has been criticized over his decision to not reopen his church despite an order by the Lagos State Government which permits worship centers to reopen.

In a statement titled ‘Update On Resumption Of Physical Services’, Daystar Christian Centre announced that it won't reopen immediately.

However, the church revealed that it "will continue to hold her services online exclusively pending further review".

It added that it is looking "forward to the resumption of physical services in a safe environment".

The church's decision was praised by many who commended Sam Adeyemi for considering the safety of his church members amid COVID-19.

However, some Nigerians on Twitter accused the pastor of playing to the gallery with his church's decision.

They accused him of not having enough faith to see that God is bigger than COVID-19.

Below are some reactions gathered by MyNigeria.com.

@VictorIzi wrote: "With the encomium poured on Sam for not opening his church speaks volumes of the gullibility of Nigerians. Anyone pastor that open up their churches is now evil. Lagosians fail to realize that churches have longed opened in Abuja and other states. This is quite pathetic".

@Okolierita88 wrote: "Hm..Does this stop your members from going to the market to get foodstuffs knowing how crowded that place is? Does this stop them from going to work or even attending conferences or meetings? If the appropriate measures are put in place, there's really no need for this. God help us".

@correctG4 wrote: "If Covid19 is Real, Then Jesus Christ is More Real!!! Why The Fear, what has he been Preaching or Teaching Since...This is the Time to Practice what u av been Preaching for years now and not to close ur Church. Not Judging his Decision, just stating the Obvious Truth".

@iAmKELLY_A wrote: "All it takes is to read the content of the Governor's directive on the opening of religious centres. But the Governor didn't say that 'leadership training centres for motivational speakers' should open on Sunday. So, DayStar is right not to open its training centre on Sunday".

@Greenaetion wrote: "This dude is playing the good guy game. He's acting like a normal Nigerian politician".