For a virus that takes delight in working through crowds and with a DNA of person to person transmission, I cringe at the news that Churches are to reopen this weekend. 

Besides, the directive that as many as 100 worshippers may gather for up to one hour under the same roof irrespective of the tall order of safety protocols, heightens my fear.  Yes, one is missing Church badly but we are not in normal times. The COVID-19 billows are tossing high.

Virtual services

So why the rush to get to the building called church and risk contracting the deadly virus? For over two months, many churches have proven that our God can adequately be worshipped and adored outside the building called church. I have enjoyed my Church’s extraordinary virtual services at 9 am on Sundays in a study strewn with books, files, newspapers, magazines and still feel the presence of God.  

Additionally, I have had the opportunity to join services conducted by other Churches via television or radio each Sunday. The new normal is giving me real fulfilling time with my Creator. My verdict? It is all in the heart and mind. So, why would we not encourage this new normal while waiting for the infection rate of the virus to go down before opening for mass worship?

Infection

According to a fact-checked news published in Healthline News of May 28, as many as 80 percent of people with COVID-19 are not aware they have the virus. Furthermore, at one of the briefings organised by Ghana’s Ministry of Information recently, the head of the Ghana Health Service informed us that about 90 percent of those who have tested positive to the infection were asymptomatic. That means this 90 percent were walking around looking healthy with no symptoms of the disease yet are carriers and could transmit the virus. 

In coming together to worship therefore, no matter the protocols in place, a simple thing like using a common pen to record one’s name and contact details as the new directives require, could spread the virus via the common use of a contaminated pen.

We have been reminded by experts to be wary of handling cash as they could be a medium for transmission. How safe would it be for those who would count offertory monies for banking? Our pastors, readers, and service leaders all stand equal chance of getting infected if the microphones and other surfaces at the altar are not well disinfected. 

Ordinarily, one would have dismissed the tall protocols and stand on the notion that in the House of the Lord the full armour of God’s protection abounds. True and Amen to that. But with the kind of enemy at hand, we also need to guard ourselves physically and allow God to do the rest. The time to mingle in big numbers is not now.

The case of the Evangelical Christian Baptist Church (ECB) in the state of Hesse in Frankfurt, Germany, where on May 10, about 100 people tested positive for Covid-19 after a church service is a case in point. According to the story which has gained traction in social media, church leaders said they disinfected the entire building before opening for the service. Additionally, they provided hand sanitisers and ensured people stayed 1.5 metres apart.

Abnormal times

Admittedly, the church as an institution has played a calming effect and sustained the spiritual, moral and social well-being of its members whether in marital issues, illnesses, bereavements and other distressed situations. The church has been a strong pillar and a positive influence for its afflicted members.

In this Covid-19 pandemic, the church can continue with its spiritual, moral and social oversight using other means of communication without necessarily bringing masses together under one roof every Sunday. In my church for example, since the ban on social gatherings last March, the church made public all the contact information of its Pastors and encouraged members to contact any of them with their prayer needs.

We are not in normal times and so life cannot be business as usual. Any rush to open churches now for any form of assembly could jeopardise the health of worshippers and challenge our fragile health systems.

Attempt to reopen churches now could be premature seeing we are at war with a ferociously destructive virus that rejoices at seeing crowds. It is here to attack and destroy. Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now, choose life, so that you and your children may live”. Let us hasten slowly and choose life.

Writer’s email: vickywirekoandoh@yahoo.com