#Headlines

Religious leaders react to reopening of mosques & churches

Jun 5, 2020, 12:07 PM | Article By: Njie Baldeh & Ismaila Sonko

Religious leaders have reacted to the reopening of mosques and churches, a development announced by government to ease restrictions on covid-19, welcoming it as a good idea.

Bishop James Allen Yaw Odico, the Anglican Bishop Gambia, described it a pleasant surprise after the government announced the reopening of mosques and churches, saying they were not expecting that the closure would be lifted so soon.

Speaking in an interview with, The Point Bishop James called on all worshipers to follow the directives of government, adding that if these measures are strictly followed, we will prevent ourselves from getting the virus.

“We will also encourage everybody despite the lockdown has been eased, we should all keep to the health directives that have been given by the Ministry of Health and WHO.”

“It is good for us to exercise extraordinary precaution, so that every Gambian and non-Gambian will be in good health,” he said, adding that “government is the one that has the expertise and the knowhow to give credible advice, and I am sure government is concerned for the welfare and well being of all Gambians and non-Gambians.”

“If the government can ensure that all citizens are in a state of good health, it is something credible, and we congratulate the government for taking the wise leadership and for also taking into consideration the well being of the population.

In a separate interview, some religious leaders reacted to the opening of the mosques and churches across the country after they had been closed for more than 10 weeks.

Imam Baba Leigh, of Kanifing Mosque said he was expecting such announcement from Health Ministry, while maintaining that he welcomes the idea from the government spokesperson. And I will open my mosque today and lead the Friday prayers, Imam Baba Leigh concluded.