Responses of Christians to COVID-19 policies: A case study of selected BONAVADA Pentecostal churches, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) took many lives in developed countries than the Sub-Sahara. In Cameroon, the preventative measures were put in place after one case of a returning French national from Europe was tested positive. Measures included mask wearing, social distancing, prohibition of gathering of more than 50 persons, observance of hygiene measures and avoidance of close contact with other persons, as prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Regardless of the prescribed strategies, infected numbers increased to 1445 on 06 July 2020. Knowledge on defiance would therefore, be helpful in future pandemics. The study availed feedback from selected churches to understand their experience and to identify determinants of adherence to the COVID-19 measures in Cameroon, given that some pastors and Christians deliberately ignored preventive measures based on religious belief and the view that defiance of social distancing practices was permissible on the grounds of faith, solidarity and love.

Objectives: The article explored how selected Pentecostal churches defied the COVID-19 protocols in targeted regions of Cameroon based on faith reasons, contributing to the spread of the virus.

Method: Mixed method between qualitative and desktop was employed within BONAVADA (Cameroon).

Results: The defiance of some churches under study was unhelpful because the COVID-19 grew rapidly while they were attempting to resist protocols.

Conclusion: Unnoticeable church defiance to protocols contributed to the spread of pandemic.

Contribution: The article concretise the government strictness in case future pandemics engulf the country.