News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

ebola-medics-main_article_image.jpg
REX/EYEPRESS/SIPA
World News

Church life suffering in Sierra Leone because of Ebola

Revd Patrick Sartie who works with the group Feed the Minds says many of the normal practices of a church service are having to be skipped.

He's concerned over the impact the disease is having on the relationships between people within churches.

He said: "We are no longer allowed to perform important church rituals and people are not allowed to show love in church in the same way.

"Handshaking is a sign of love and it is part of the custom of my church. When people started avoiding handshake for fear of the Ebola virus, some people became offended with their friends and families."

He says he's been banned from serving communion, sharing the peace, burying and marrying church members.

"The church is somewhere where people should come together, not be kept apart." he said.

Feed the Minds has had to suspend much of its work through its literacy and education projects in Sierra Leone.

It's working to support Revd Sartie so that the correct information about Ebola is given to people who need it and ensuring everyone is literate about the disease.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate