Stop bringing phones to church – Catholic Archbishop

Cardinal Adewale Martins

Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has advised Christians to desist from the use of phones in places of worship as a sign of respect for God.

Martins made the call in his sermon at the dedication of the Catholic Church of Visitation, Festac Town, Lagos on Saturday.

The cleric said that introduction of the phone technology had made people lose their sense of humility and reverence for God while in Church.

“Some Christians have turned their phones to Holy Bible, reading scriptures, news and researches with their phones during sermons.

“ They have turned a positive invention to misplacement of priority; such an act does not show reverence to God and should be banned in places of worship,’’ he said.

Martins said that the inventor of the Facebook, who recently visited the country, displayed humility which should be emulated by users of these technologies.

The bishop, however, commended the priests and parishioners of the church for their sacrifice and dedication in setting up an edifice for worship within a short period.

“You have all laboured to build a befitting place of worship for God but it does not end there, you must build up your hearts for His comfort and dwelling.

“Then you should make sure you maintain the treasure by reverencing and keeping the structure in good condition,” he said.

Also speaking, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Andrew Ogidan thanked his parishioners and urged them to keep the edifice which they sacrificed to build in less than two years.

“The much we have toiled within two years must not be destroyed by our carelessness, we must respect the place by keeping it clean and free from criminal activities,” he said.