Christian Ecumenical Bodies in Ghana Set Guidelines for Easter Festivities

The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has directed all churches to avoid Easter conventions in public places, Palm Sunday processions, and Easter Monday picnics.

These activities, according to the council have the likelihood to spread coronavirus diseases.

It however said these activities could be celebrated quietly in their chapel buildings while adhering to the covid 19 protocols.
 
“The Christian Ecumenical Bodies are however mindful that COVID 19 is still with us and therefore, we must celebrate modestly to avoid the spike in COVID cases after the Easter festivities”.

This was contained in a letter dated Wednesday, March 25, 2021, issued and signed by the Chairperson of CCG, who is also the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo on behalf of Christian Ecumenical Bodies.
 
It Instructed, “The ban on public gathering is still in force and therefore Easter conventions in public places, Palm Sunday processions, as well as the Easter Monday picnics, must be avoided. These activities have the tendency to spread the virus but could be celebrated quietly in our chapel buildings while adhering to the protocols”.

The Council in addition advised the churches to observe the two-hour duration for church services announced by the government a few months ago.

As part of the directives, churches are urged to continue to observe social distancing during the Easter festivities and also Sanitize microphones in between use.

Lastly, the council entreated “the church to intensify education on the use of masks, added that not only during service but before and after as well.
Preachers and choristers should also be in their masks when ministering”.

Read the full statement below

CHRISTIAN ECUMENICAL BODIES IN GHANA
PASTORAL LETTER

March 25, 2021, TO ALL CHURCHES 2021 EASTER CELEBRATIONS IN GHANA

The heads of the Christian Ecumenical Bodies in Ghana have met to deliberate on the celebration of the 2021 Easter festivities in a pandemic-stricken world.

Easter is a period of personal reflection on the love of God, which He exhibited through the passion, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our reflection on God’s love towards humankind should lead us into genuine repentance and cause us to embrace the grace of God for our own salvation.

Last year, our nation was unable to celebrate Easter with church activities because of the COVID 19 pandemic. By the Grace of God, we have an opportunity to celebrate Easter this year, and we should take full advantage of it to spread the love of God.

The Christian Ecumenical Bodies are however mindful that COVID 19 is still with us and therefore, we must celebrate modestly to avoid the spike in COVID cases after the Easter festivities.

We are also aware that many local churches have shown leadership in the way they have handled themselves during their church services in this difficult time by observing all the protocols given by our health workers, the government, and the church. We say God bless you for your continuous cooperation.

With this same spirit of cooperation, we deem it fit to bring to the attention of Churches the following to guide our Easter celebrations:

1. The ban on public gathering is still in force so Easter conventions in public places, Palm Sunday processions, and Easter Monday picnics must be avoided. These activities have the tendency to spread the virus but could be celebrated quietly in our chapel buildings while adhering to the protocols.

2. The two-hour duration for church services announced by the government is still in place and should be enforced.

3. Continue to observe social distancing during the Easter festivities.

4. The church should intensify education on the use of masks not only during service but before and after as well. Preachers and choristers should also be in their masks when ministering.

5. Sanitize microphones in between use.

6. We encourage all members to avoid crowded places and to stay at home as much as possible, before, during, and after the Easter festivities. We should also limit Easter-related travels and family reunions as much as we can.

7. Explore the use of technology (virtual/online media) for your Easter activities.

May this Easter cause us to exhibit the love of God, which is shared abroad in our hearts.

God bless you.

Chairperson, CCG

For and on behalf of the Christian Ecumenical Bodies

1. The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG)

2. Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC)

3. Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC)

4. National Association of Christian and Charismatic Churches (NACCC)

5. Ghana Charismatic Bishops Conference (GCBC)

By: William Ofori Akwaboa,Eastern Region