Victory Bible Church International remains closed

The Victory Bible Church International says its branches across the country will remain closed despite government easing restrictions on religious gatherings in the country.

The church adds to a tall list of charismatic churches that have refused to open due to the fear of spreading the coronavirus and the stringent protocols they will need to follow if they decide to open for worship.

Victory Bible Church in a statement stated that “the threat of COVID-19 is unfortunately still prevalent and the number of infections is sadly still rising in the country. There is still a significant level of ignorance amongst the citizenry on how the virus spreads, how to keep safe and many other attendant issues.”

The church said the leadership and the presiding bishop are working to complete policy directions on protocols to be instituted ahead of the resumption of congregational worship.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, on Sunday, 31 May 2020, eased the restrictions on religious gatherings under strict guidelines for churches and mosques that wish to open.

He limited the number of worshippers to 100 among others.

Find below the government’s guidelines on the opening of churches:

Churches are to ensure a No-handshake, No-hugging and No-Spitting policy at all time.

No crowded dancing and waving of handkerchiefs during church services.



Microphones are to be sanitised immediately after each use.

All persons who speak or sing in churches must wear facemask during service.

Churches are to discourage singing in groups and instead use pre-recorded songs.

Pre-packaged communion bread and wine should be picked up by members at the point of entry.

Place offering bowls at the entrance and exit points for members to give offerings and tithes when entering or on their way out of church premises.

Encourage cash transfers via mobile money or mobile banking as forms of giving offerings.

In observance of social-distancing protocols, laying-on of hands should not be allowed.