Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic archbishop of Abuja Diocese, has
said that the COVID-19 pandemic will determine those, who are true clerics and
those seeking to amass wealth.
The Nigerian 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, Kaigama said pastors could still go ahead to lead their followers to heaven, whether there is a pandemic or not, adding that COVID-19 “is the acid test now”.
The bishop said any cleric in the church whose goal was to
amass wealth is not called of God but a businessman.
He said, “This is the time to know who are true shepherds of
the flock and those who are just engaged in work of religion to amass wealth
for themselves or to acquire wealth and prosperity.
“If you are a pastor or priest 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 to acquire material
wealth, 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 a good time to come again.”
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