I would pray for a congregant who has COVID-19, but with a lot of precaution — Archbishop Muheria

Archbishop Anthony Muheria of the Nyeri Catholic Archdiocese on Friday stated that he would pray for a congregant who has Covid-19, but with a lot of caution.

Speaking during a TV interview, Archbishop Muheria said it is important to trust in God but that does not mean tempting Him.

“Remember there is also the law of loving your neighbour and protecting them. We can’t be reckless by asking them (Covid-19 patients) to come to places of worship and expose others.

“I would pray for a congregant who has COVID-19, but with a lot of precaution. Maybe I could pray for them through a screen or window,” he stated.

Bishop Muheria also appealed to religious leaders to shepherd their people during this period, saying a collective effort will see the country defeat the virus.

“Prayer, Human Effort, and Solidarity; these are the three pillars we must work with. I also appeal to our religious leaders to shepherd our people. God will be with us and we will see this through the end.

“Maybe I could pray for them through a screen or window,” he said.

His sentiments were shared by SUPKEM Legal Advisor Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome who said people should be careful in places of worship to ensure they do not become hotbeds.

“We have to take precaution so that places of worship do not turn out to be where the virus spreads.

“Unless it very necessary to pray at home, we should all pray together,” he said.

Despite the directive to reopen places of worship, most have remained shut citing difficulties in adhering with some of the guidelines issued, mostly the 100 persons limit per service.

A number of Nairobi churches have continued with online services as they monitor how the situation unfolds.