The International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) will not reopen its church premises despite a directive that religious bodies can resume in-person services.

In a communique to pastors and local assemblies, the church’s Presbytery said all of its branches are to remain closed until further notice.

“No ICGC local assembly shall be opened to run in-person church services until so advised by the Presbytery.”

Following months of closure due to the coronavirus, religious bodies, including churches and mosques have been given the green light to reopen.

President Akufo-Addo in his 10th address to the nation since the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country said an abridged format for religious services can commence.

“Twenty-five per cent attendance, with a maximum number of 100 congregants, can worship at a time in church or at the mosque, with a mandatory one-metre rule of social distancing between congregants. 

“In addition to the mandatory wearing of masks for all persons at all times in churches and mosques, a register of names and contact details of all worshippers and hand washing facilities and sanitisers must be provided, with a maximum duration of one hour for each service,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

Notwithstanding this, ICGC churches will continue to hold services online.

“All ICGC local assemblies will continue to fellowship together on and online as we join the General Overseer on Sundays for services, as we do now.

“Local pastors will continue to minister to their congregations through online, on air, and social media channels during the week (Mondays –Saturdays),” the communique said.

It indicated that the church will 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 nationwide.”

The communique stressed the need for local assemblies to fully comply with the directives and other subsequent ones that will be issued by the Presbytery.