Pastor Chris Okotie of the Household of God Church has rejected the wearing of face masks during service at worship centres.
Recall Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who announced the reopening of worship centre from August 7, had directed that all protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic must be strictly adhered to, including the wearing of face masks.
But in a broadcast message to his church members via Whatsapp, Okotie said the wearing of face masks was unacceptable.
Giving Biblical references to back his position, the Household of God Church pastor said wearing a mask or a face shield to church is separation from God because it is like reintroducing the veil which was torn the moment Jesus died on the cross.
“When a man is standing before God in church wearing a shield or mask, he is denying the finished work of the cross,” he said.
“Before we offer our sacrifices and lift up holy hands before God, we must make sure that everything is decent and in order.
“We must only follow the protocols outlined in the Bible, not any directive that violates the basic tenets of our faith.”
The clergyman, however, acknowledged other precautions put in place by the government to curb the spread of the pandemic.
