Coronavirus: Pastor dies on Easter Sunday after holding packed church service
- A pastor from Virginia, US, succumbed to coronavirus weeks after holding a church service
- Bishop Gerald Glenn vowed to keep preaching unless he was in jail or a hospital
- The clergyman's wife, Mercieta Glenn, was also said to have been infected with the coronavirus
The lead pastor at the New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Richmond, Virginia, US, has passed away a week after contracting COVID-19.
Bishop Gerald Glenn held a church service even after social distancing rules were enforced, vowing to keep preaching unless he was in jail or a hospital.
According to TMZ, the pastor held a jam-packed church service on March 22, urging followers to stand up and prove their numbers.
This was just after warnings were given over holding large gatherings in the face of the pandemic.
On Sunday, April 12, the church gave an announcement through its Facebook page confirming the pastor had died.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Bishop Gerald O. Glenn, the founder, and pastor of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church on Saturday, April 11, at 9pm. Please be in prayer with us for mother Marcietia Glenn, our first family, and the NDEC church family," a statement read.
The church asked for respect towards the family, promising to give more details regarding the burial arrangements.
"We ask that you respectfully allow our first family to grieve in their own way, we will announce final arrangements within the next few days. Be blessed and don’t stop praying for one another," the church added.
It was reported by TMZ, that during the last service, the bishop said he was proud of being controversial for violating safety protocols.
The deceased added he was an essential worker as he was a preacher and would talk to God.
His wife, Mercieta Glenn, was also said to be infected with the coronavirus.
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In other news, the Anglican bishop of Aguata Diocese in Anambra state, Rt Reverend Samuel Ezeofor, has expressed displeasure over the closure of churches due to coronavirus.
The cleric said the appropriate thing that should have been done is to ask churches to maintain social distancing.
He made his opinion known while delivering his 2020 Easter message at Ekwulobia in Aguata local government area.
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