Consensus Christian Leaders Forum Disclaims CAN on Covid- 19 Vaccination.

By Lucky Isibor.

A group of church leaders in Edo State known as Consensus Christian Leaders Forum has dissociated the group, their churches and members from the press statement issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),  signed by its Edo State branch chairman, Bishop Oyonude Kure and broadcast on many channels in respect of the COVID-19 vaccination, wherein he directed all churches in the state to take the vaccine, assuring them of its safety and without any adverse effect on the human body.

Matthew Edaghese (Esq) (2nd right), Leagal Adviser of Consensus Christian Leaders Forum, Archbishop Fred Aghedo, president of the Forum at the occasion.

Addressing newsmen after an enlarged meeting of the Forum, the legal adviser of the group, Matthew Edaghese (Esq) said the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN is not the sole umbrella of all Christian Leaders and Churches in Edo State, and as such can only issue directives to CAN affiliated Churches and described the Edo State CAN chairman's pronouncement on COVID-19 vaccination as bogus and too over-reaching. 

According to the communique of the Consensus Christian Leaders Forum, "the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is not the sole umbrella body of all Christian Leaders and Churches in Edo State, and as such can only issue directives to (CAN) affiliated Churches.

"The (CAN) Chairman, Edo State is not a medical expert or the manufacturer of the COVID-19 vaccine, neither is he a trained virologist; so, he is not in any position to give such bogus assurances as to the safety of the vaccine. 

"The (CAN) Chairman or CAN cannot speak for Churches and Church Leaders who are non-members of (CAN) in the state.

"The (CAN) Chairman has not undertaken to take responsibility and liability for any adverse effect of the vaccine on any Christian in Edo State who may decide to act on his directive (s), and assurances.

"In the light of the above, our client states categorically that its members and affiliate Churches are not bound by CAN's directive on the COVID-19 vaccination, as it is a Christian Organization, independent of (CAN) Edo State Branch."

While assuring that the Consensus Christian Leaders Forum is not against COVID-19 vaccination, but insists it should not be forced on non- willing members of their Churches or denying them access to any public facilities or their places of worship.

"Our client is not against the idea of administering the vaccine on willing members of its affiliate Churches, but it is against forcing the vaccines on unwilling members of its Churches or denying them access to any public facilities or to their places of worship on account of the enforcement of the compulsory vaccination by the State Government.

"Our Client's stand on this issue is that COVID-19 vaccination should not be imposed, it has to be voluntary, as even God Almighty with all His Powers, did not impose salvation on believers, it remains personal."

In his opening remarks, the president of the Consensus Christian Leaders Forum, Archbishop Fred Aghedo appealed to members of the group to work together to ensure the evil seed being planted by agents of the devil in Christiandom is not allowed to germinate adding that, " this is just a test to know the strength of the Church and I can see that the Church is already divided."

Other church leaders in the Forum including Apostle Kassy Chuckwu,  Apostle Alfred Odion Uyinoss, Rev. Prophet Imole Ayo, and Pastor (Mrs) Charity Emeshiri berated the leadership of Edo State CAN for purporting to be speaking on behalf of all Christian leaders in the state as they're not affiliated to CAN.