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Christians normally host picnics on Easter Monday
The Christian Council of Ghana has urged churches and Christians to avoid Easter conventions and Easter Monday picnics because the ban on public gatherings is still in effect, as they celebrate the death and resurrection of their savior Jesus Christ.
These activities, according to the Christian Council, have a tendency to spread the virus but could be held quietly in the chapel buildings respecting the protocols.
The Christian Council came to this decision after a meeting of the heads of the Ecumenical Christian Bodies to deliberate on the celebration of the 2021 Easter festivities in a world ravaged by a pandemic.
The council also reminded churches that the two-hour duration for church services announced by the government is still in effect and must be enforced as they continue to observe social distancing during the holidays.
In a statement, the Christian body noted: “The church should intensify education on the use of masks not only during the service, but also before and after. Preachers and choristers should also wear their masks when ministering. “
The statement also encouraged churches to sanitize microphones between uses and for all members to avoid crowded venues and stay home as much as possible before, during and after the Easter festivities. We should also limit Easter-related travel and family gatherings as much as possible. “
Below is the full statement:
The heads of Christian ecumenical bodies in Ghana have come together to deliberate on the celebration of the 2021 Easter festivities in a world ravaged by a pandemic.
Easter is a period of personal reflection on the love of God, which He showed through the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our reflection on God’s love for humanity should lead us to genuine repentance and embrace God’s grace for our own salvation.
Last year, our nation was unable to celebrate Easter with church activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By the Grace of God, we have the opportunity to celebrate Easter this year, and we must make the most of it to spread God’s love.
However, the Christian Ecumenical Bodies are aware that COVID 19 is still with us and therefore we must celebrate in modesty to avoid the increase in COVID cases after the Easter festivities.
We are also aware that many local churches have shown leadership in the way they have handled themselves during their religious services at this difficult time by observing all the protocols given by our health workers, the government and the church. We say God bless you for your continued cooperation.
In this same spirit of cooperation, we believe it appropriate to draw the attention of the Churches to the following to guide our Easter celebrations:
1. The ban on public gatherings remains in effect, so Easter conventions in public places, Palm Sunday processions, and Easter Monday picnics should be avoided. These activities have a tendency to spread the virus, but could be held quietly in our chapel buildings while protocols are followed. )
2. The two-hour duration for religious services announced by the government is still in effect and must be enforced.
3. Continue to observe social distancing during the Easter holidays.
4. The church should intensify education about wearing masks not only during the service, but also before and after. Preachers and choristers must also be masked when ministering.
5. Disinfect the microphones between use and use.
6. We encourage all members to avoid crowded places and stay home as much as possible, before, during and after the Easter festivities. We should also limit Easter-related travel and family gatherings as much as we can.
7. Explore the use of technology (virtual / online media) for your Easter activities.
May this Easter make us display God’s love, which is shared in our hearts.
God bless you.
Signed.
Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo
(President, Christian Council of Ghana)
For and on behalf of the Ecumenical Christian Bodies;
1. The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG)
2. Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC)
3. Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC)
4. National Association of Christian and Charismatic Churches (NACCC)
5. Ghana Charismatic Bishops Conference (GCBC)
6. Council of Independent Churches (CIC)
7. Council of African Instituted Churches (CAIC)
8. National Clergy Association of Ghana (NACAG)
