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 communiqué 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,” the communiqué said.
Following months of closure because of the coronavirus, religious bodies, including churches and mosques, have been given the green light to reopen.
In his tenth address to the nation since the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country, President Akufo-Addo said abridged versions of religious services can commence.
“Twenty-five percent 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,” President Akufo-Addo announced.
“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 handwashing facilities and sanitisers must be provided, with a maximum duration of one hour for each service.”
Fellowshipping online
Despite these developments, ICGC churches will continue to hold services online.
“All ICGC local assemblies will continue to fellowship together off and online as we join the General Overseer on Sundays for services, as we do now,” the communiqué said.
“Local pastors will continue to minister to their congregations through online, on-air, and social media channels during the week (Mondays–Saturdays).”
The statement noted that the Church will use June to monitor and evaluate all protocols in simulation exercises with selected local assemblies in the various districts.
“This will enable us to determine the appropriateness and effectiveness of the protocols throughout our churches nationwide.”
The communiqué stressed the need for local assemblies to comply fully with the directives and subsequent orders that will be issued by the Presbytery.
