Christians around in Zimbabwe may not be able to hold their annual Easter gatherings following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
This comes as the Church of Christ Latter Day Saints called off services worldwide from Sunday, March 16 until further notice amid growing concerns over COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi said his church has not yet envisaged a cancellation of its Easter programme. The church’s congregates gather at Mbungo in Bikita District where an average of 40 000 people usually meets during the Easter celebrations.
Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) president Bishop Johannes Ndanga declared that the coronavirus cannot be a barrier to church tradition. He said:
As much as we consider Covid-19 a health threat, the virus cannot be a barrier to church tradition. Now that we are heading for Easter holidays, I figure it is wise that the Ministry of Health and Child Care deploys its health workers to such gatherings in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus because we cannot postpone such gatherings as it is a Bible mandate.
I encourage fellow Christians countrywide to take this wise move and liaise with the ministry and inform them about upcoming events so that they can be tested and get advice on precautionary measures.