The Anglican Bishop of Nnewi Diocese reveals the effects of COVID-19 on the Diocese and on the body of Christ entirely. According to him, almost every segment of the church was affected by Coronavirus, the spiritual, the physical, the financial, among others.
Speaking to anaedoonline.com, the Bishop of Nnewi Anglican Diocese, His Lordship, Rt. Revd. Ndubusi Chukwuka Obi highlighted the good sides and the bad sides of the novel coronavirus.
The good side of the situation he said is that people have come to appreciate that coming together to worship God should not be taken for granted, that it is worthwhile to come to the presence of God in worship and collective service. On the disadvantages he mourned the absence of the sense of communion that exists, seeing one another, interacting physically has been hampered by the pandemic.
Also, the pastor-congregation relationship, meeting members after church service has been put to a stop to maintain the rules of social distancing, Church has been transformed to virtual services, radio services, TV services without a physical meeting is a negative impact to the world. If members want to talk to their pastors, they have to call him on the phone, no longer meeting physically.
The issue of praying for people, the bishop said he has not laid hands on anybody reiterating a woman that came to see him for prayers and was desirous of laying of hands but he was unable to do so because of the tenets of social distancing and practicing safety. Laying hands on the sick is a biblical activity as demonstrated by Jesus in Mark 8 vs. 23.
The issue of finances especially where it concerns the welfare of members of the church is of great importance. The church is a non-governmental organization, it relates directly with the people, everybody that has a problem brings it to the church to seek for help, unfortunately, because income is not coming into the church anymore, the church is incapacitated, and unable to assist anyone due to lack of funds.
There are spiritual effects too where the church is unable to come together in one voice under one roof and make a declaration, the fellowship of the brethren has been hampered. The Bishop says he constantly prays for the world to heal so the church can go back to its form and worship.
He further disclosed that if the pandemic continues, the Anglican Church is also preparing for the incoming necessity which is hosting virtual services for the Diocese.
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