Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic archbishop of Abuja diocese, says the
COVID-19 pandemic will determine those who are true clerics and
those seeking to amass wealth.
The federal government has since banned social and religious
gatherings to curb the spread of COVID-19 but some clerics have
protested the decision.
Speaking with PUNCH.Ng[1], Kaigama
said pastors could still go ahead to lead their followers to
heaven, whether there is pandemic or not, adding that COVID-19 “is
the acid test now.”
The bishop said any cleric in the church whose goal is to amass
wealth is not called of God but a businessman.
“This is the time to know who are true shepherds of the flock
and those who are just engaged in work of religion in order to
amass wealth for themselves or to acquire wealth and prosperity,”
he said.
“If you are a pastor or priest in order to serve the people and
lead them to heaven, then whether coronavirus is active or not, you
will still go on to do that.
“But if you are a pastor or priest in order to acquire material
wealth, in order to enjoy prosperity, then, I’m sorry, you’re not
called by God. You’re a businessman or businesswoman and not a
priest or pastor.
“This is the time we should see real men of God who are
dedicated, even to the point of giving everything they have,
including their lives in the service of the people of God.
“This is a moment of trial for us, we hope that we will pass the
test with distinction as pastors and we will be able to stand by
our people solidly without money.
“If the collections are not coming to the church, tithes are not
there, how do you do? Will you run away and abandon the sheep? No,
as a good shepherd, you should stand strong and firm and be there
for the people and pray for good time to come again.”
Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic archbishop of Abuja diocese, says the
COVID-19 pandemic will determine those who are true clerics and
those seeking to amass wealth.
The federal government has since banned social and religious
gatherings to curb the spread of COVID-19 but some clerics have
protested the decision.
Speaking with PUNCH.Ng[1], Kaigama
said pastors could still go ahead to lead their followers to
heaven, whether there is pandemic or not, adding that COVID-19 “is
the acid test now.”
The bishop said any cleric in the church whose goal is to amass
wealth is not called of God but a businessman.
“This is the time to know who are true shepherds of the flock
and those who are just engaged in work of religion in order to
amass wealth for themselves or to acquire wealth and prosperity,”
he said.
“If you are a pastor or priest in order to serve the people and
lead them to heaven, then whether coronavirus is active or not, you
will still go on to do that.
“But if you are a pastor or priest in order to acquire material
wealth, in order to enjoy prosperity, then, I’m sorry, you’re not
called by God. You’re a businessman or businesswoman and not a
priest or pastor.
“This is the time we should see real men of God who are
dedicated, even to the point of giving everything they have,
including their lives in the service of the people of God.
“This is a moment of trial for us, we hope that we will pass the
test with distinction as pastors and we will be able to stand by
our people solidly without money.
“If the collections are not coming to the church, tithes are not
there, how do you do? Will you run away and abandon the sheep? No,
as a good shepherd, you should stand strong and firm and be there
for the people and pray for good time to come again.”