The founder of the Humanist Association of Nigeria (HAN), Leo Igwe has called out the founder of the Living Faith Church which is also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo over his healing of Coronavirus in his church.
Leo called the Bishop’s claim a reckless and irresponsible one because people will now behave without being cautioning believing in their fate.
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Bishop Oyedepo on Sunday has said his church has healed about 114 with COVID-19 and still counting. The people who were healed were said to have publicly testified
Leo said “The claim is weighty, reckless, and irresponsible,” in a statement he made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday.
“His faith healing claim is capable of making people throw caution to the wind, indulge in risky behaviors while believing that their faith would heal them if they contract the virus,” he added.
“This faith healing claim by Oyedepo is a piece of misinformation because faith healing is superstition- not a science-based proposition.
“There is no evidence that anybody could be healed of coronavirus as Oyedepo. Unfortunately, this faith healing report from Winners’ church was not balanced and did not contain any perspective from the NCDC, or the health ministry, or a public health expert.
“This faith-healing claim has the potential of misleading the public, especially at a time of so much fear, panic, and uncertainty over the spread and cure of COVID-19.
“The lockdown has adversely affected the religious market. But the way to get the authorities to lift the ban on public gathering in churches is not to spread lies and misinformation about COVID-19 as Oyedepo has done.
“COVID-19 constitutes a public health challenge, and church leaders should be mindful of the claims that they make.”
