Lifestyle

CAN says PTF is insensitive over threat to ban Christmas Carol

Published

3 years ago

2020/12/03

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 over threats that it may ban Christmas carols.

The Vice Chairman (Northern region) of the umbrella Christian body, Rev. John Hayab, stated this in an interview with the Vanguard in Abuja on Wednesday.

PTF had on Monday urged Nigerians to be cautious with the annual festive celebrations in order to curtail COVID-19 spread.

“This is really to re-emphasise the call by the PTF that many of the traditional meetings that we engage in at this time of the year, whether they are Christmas carols or festivals, trips, family gatherings, each of these could end up being a super spreader event.”

CAN on said that churches have been complying with COVID-19 precautions when they hold their regular worship services since lockdown ended and they were approved to reopen.

The Christian body further advised the PTF to work with CAN and ensure the churches keep complying with the established COVID-19 restrictions.

“Christians have been holding worship services and observing all Federal Government protocols, and other medical advice on coronavirus since the lockdown was relaxed and worship centres were reopened.

“So, what we expected from the PTF on were advice for continued compliance by religious bodies and the general public to the already established protocols. . “But to mention Christmas Carol or suggest a ban only shows how insensitive some privileged government officials can be.

“The Church is doing more than what the PTF has requested us to do till now, and church leaders are still encouraging followers to practice those protocols both at home, market and anywhere there was more that ten persons.

“CAN remains ready and willing to work with, and help the PTF and all other relevant agencies to sensitize our congregations to observe any new or additional protocols to stop the spread of the virus, but the message from the PTF about the Christmas Carol is wrong and poorly timed.”