The Council of African Independent Churches (CAIC) has pleaded with churches and their congregants to be humble enough and respect the lockdown regulations as set by the government of the Republic of South Africa. This comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the initial period of 21 days with two more weeks until the end of April in an effort to flatten the curve of Coronavirus.
The Council, which was established in 1982 and has been affiliated with the South African Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches, has a membership of 351 churches situated in various parts of the country.
CAIC General Secretary Bishop TS Ngcana said it was important for the church to listen and respect those in authority because authority was established by God. By doing so, the church will be leading as an example to all the people of the country and will also be assisting the government in its effort to ensure the good health of all its citizens.
“We have communicated thoroughly with our member churches to abide by the regulations in place to contribute to the fight against this pandemic” said the Bishop.
The call of CAIC comes at the time when there have been reported cases in the media of church members and their pastors, who have been arrested while in the middle of church services.
It also comes after the Covid-19 cases in Bloemfontein in the Free State emanated from a church gathering last month.
