By Martha Taumata Faavae
The National Council of Churches is not putting any extra pressure on Government to allow for an early return to normal services after a lengthy period of health security measures showed that the COVID – 19 virus is not in Samoa.
The Council General Secretary, Rev. Ma’auga Motu does not take kindly also to religious critics who are challenging the health security restrictions with the power of God to heal.
Rev. Ma’auga pointed to similar complaints by church goers in countries where the disease has already killed people as worth noting.
“I’ve watched complaining church leaders in countries already infected by the virus, question the faith of the Government in the healing powers of the Lord, but to me that is putting God to the test to keep them safe as they pray,” Rev. Ma’auga took note.
“ The truth of the matter is the virus is not going to spare you because you’re in church praying . What we have to remember is that people in leadership are appointed by God too.
“ We believe that the leadership decisions they make are inspired by the Holy Spirit and when they believe it is safe to return to holding church services so be it.”
The church council has been calling on the religious to hold prayer services in the safety of their own homes as they have been doing since the lockdown.
Many of the churches have resorted to online services for congregation members to join in prayers from home.