COVID-19: Archbishop Filibus calls for Love and prayers

The Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) and President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF),Most Rev Musa Panti Filibus called on the people to show more love for one another in the face of the global challenge of the Coronavirus.

The Archbishop made the call when he visited the congregation of Todi Diocese at its annual convention in Murgarang, Demsa Local Government, Adamawa State.

Archbishop Filibus said as the president of the Lutheran World Federation and the General Secretary of the LWF Rev Dr Martin Junge have since issued a statement calling on the churches in the world to remain calm and observe safety measures to contain the spread of the virus.

The letter urged the church community around the world to confront the spread of the COVID-19 with love for one another. “We want to encourage the LWF member churches, their leaders and their members to take this Bible verse (“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and
self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7) to heart during these challenging times. This is a time to continue trusting in God’s compassionate presence among humankind. We take courage in the knowledge that God never abandons us, even if it means going through the experience of the cross. We see the cross of Christ as the sign of our strength and hope.”

The statement called for “Love and self-discipline” it says “By holding back from unnecessary contact, we are able to show our love and concern for those who are most vulnerable. We call upon you to uphold self-discipline as a gift of God.” The LWF leaders had in the message agreed that there may be reconsideration of gatherings where necessary “Under special circumstances, this may even require to revisit practices for gatherings and worship.”

Archbishop Musa said the church will listen to government’s advice and directive and which the church will work with. According to the statement of the LWF leaders the churches in various countries should listen to introductions and advise of the experts and the government. “We continue advising to follow instructions from the public health structures of your countries.”

The Archbishop encouraged the church to be vigilant in the face of this challenge and fervent in prayers. He warned against the spread of false information on the virus and other issues. This according to the LWF president, is the duty of the church to halt the spread of false information in any medium. “False information is circulating. Halt the spread of misinformation by relying on official sources…”

He said “in times like this we need to stand together with one another, for we need each other most” He said the impact of closing of business’s and Public places is not going to easy but it is not also going to be beyond God.

He prayed that the virus should soon be halted. He urged the church to be calm and avoid panic. “The church must avoid panic and rumour peddling. The government is doing her best to contain the spread of the virus through measures like closing of entrants from certain affected countries.”

The Archbishop calls on members to take seriously personal hygiene practices including hand washing, minimizing handshakes, sneezing unto others, in order that people will stay safe. He prayed that the world will soon see the end of the endemic. Archbishop Filibus said God has not left the church without a comfort and assurance of protection “we all must trust in God and be firm in faith at all times even in the face of death.”