The Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) has pleaded for patience to its followers across the globe, following the cancellation of bookings of their scheduled Crossover night prayers on December 31 2020 at Bingu National stadium (BNS), in Lilongwe.
In a communication through on his Facebook page, ECG’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, Ephraim Nyondo confirms the receipt of a letter from the BNS Acting Manager Ambikile Mwaungulu.
Nyondo said: “We confirm receipt of the letter from the Bingu National Stadium (BNS) management about the cancellation of hosting our Miracle Night Crossover on 31 December 2020.”
Nyondo was however, quick to point out that the organizers of the Crossover night at ECG are running up and down to put a remedy to the cancellation of the bookings.
“Our church administration is swiftly and, with necessary urgency and speed, acutely handling the matter and, therefore, we appeal for calm to all our members and followers under the circumstances. We shall keep you informed of any developments envisaged thereon,” Nyondo added.
In a letter from the BNS Acting Manager Ambikile Mwaungulu, dated December 11 2020, which FCM TV online has in possession indicates that the ban of the ECG prayers is due to large gatherings that the event may attract, which may be in conflict with the COVID-19 preventative measures.
Reads part of the letter: “Reference is made to our earlier communication Ref. No BNS/1/32 in which the stadium management allowed you to hold crossover night service at Bingu National Stadium.
“After further consultation with all relevant stakeholders, it has been observed that the stadium may not be able to host your event following reasons: despite the communication that number to attend be reduced, the event is mostly likely to attract people even beyond the normal capacity of stadium. This will contravene the COVID-19 preventative measures.
“The stadium will be undergoing maintenance in preparation for CAF inspection which will happen in early January, 2021.”
The letter further said the Management will not be able to restore the stadium to its normal capacity due to the damages that may result, after the event.
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, who is the leader of the church announced that he will be holding the international crossover prayers at the stadium, which would have attracted his followers from South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, among others.
This just shows how big is still the gap of mutual understanding between Religious and Politics. Hope many religious leaders will have to learn from this and avoid immaturely mixing things. You can’t hit another political regime and expect to be protected by another political regime.
This was chance for Malawi even for the economy any evil political