A Review by Andrew Keili
The recent publication of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone with support from the Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany- ‘The Church in Post COVID 19 Sierra Leone’ was launched in a ceremony presided over by one of Sierra Leone’s finest authors, civil and political analyst, Engineer Andrew Keili, who is also an Anglican Lay Reader and Bishop’s Warden. The book, edited by Rt. Re. Arnold C. Temple (under his pen-name ACee Temple-Anono) brought together ten authors and provides deep theological insights into the topic. Andrew Keili noted further that it also provides a historical perspective on how the Church in Sierra Leone has responded to this pandemic, dwells a bit on the practical medical aspects of how to confront COVID, and provides information on the abject socio-economic circumstances in Sierra Leone. Andrew Keili noted that COVID 19 has affected the Church in many ways. It has had a massive impact on all things ministry-related. It has affected pastors and congregations. We have however learnt lessons and consequences, and signs of God’s goodness amid all the hardship. There have been challenges related to rising rates of domestic violence and profound isolation. Meanwhile as COVID-19 took their parishioners’ lives, pastors also have had to offer comfort and perform many rites including funerals and marriages”. He observed that there have been misleading theologies in the midst of COVID 19 pandemic at globally. Despite this, there have always been people who would not be swayed by these misleading ideas. It pleased brother Keili to note that the CCSL and its membership and other religious groups in Sierra Leone have quite rightly taken upon themselves to sensitize their congregations and adapt cherished practices to innovative practical ones. This has put paid to the misconceptions peddled by some so called “divine healers” who tell Christians that they should not go to the doctor because that is “lack of faith”. We however know that God will not do for us what He has given us the ability to do for ourselves. If He has given us the good sense, there are steps that we can take to protect ourselves and if we fail to do that, it will almost be like putting Him to the test. They are reminded that even Jesus himself declared that the medical doctors existed for the sick. (Mat. 9:12; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:13). The Apostle Paul himself had a medical doctor in his missionary staff (Col. 4:14). He himself gave Timothy a prescription (probably under the recommendation of Dr. Luke) because of his “frequent sicknesses” (1 Tim. 5:23). Engineer Keili believed that the topic of this book, ‘The Church in Post COVID19 Sierra Leone’ has been well handled by the various religious leaders that have contributed to this work. They have all handled their areas from various perspectives, with the word of God being central in their message. It is heartening to note that they are positive about the outlook for the Church despite the many challenges they envisage. They acknowledge that the Church as we know it may be moving out of a building but that there are opportunities. More people will turn to God, the Church will get more involved in social issues, and opportunities will be created for developing the spirituality of individual Christians. Faith leaders will have an immense responsibility to manage the change required and need a paradigm shift in the way they approach issues. They mention that there is a need for a global mission in the post COVID 19 era.
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