Former United House Of Prayer Member Fears More People Will Die Following Weekend Mass Gatherings

CHARLOTTE — A former member of the United House of Prayer fears more people will die following this weekend’s mass gathering events at the church.

He spoke to WCCB Charlotte on the condition of anonymity.

“It’s kind of sad because some are scared for their lives after watching people die around them and then some of them are just used to the tradition of coming,” he says.

North Carolina is under a modified stay at home order.  But, those restrictions don’t apply to religious gatherings under First Amendment Rights.  Last October, 213 people became infected with Covid-19, and 12 people died following a Convocation at the church.  Mecklenburg County Health leaders expressed their concerns to the church about holding another large gathering during a pandemic.  They say church leaders assured them they would implement safety protocols.  But, the former member says he’s afraid more lives will be lost.

“The church is not gonna stop until they get stopped.  It’s sad, and people will die,” he says.

Bishop CM Bailey’s Southern Tour continues this week.  He’s scheduled to visit another church in Greensboro this weekend.

CHARLOTTE — Hundreds gathered Saturday night for a service at the United House of Prayer in North Charlotte just three months after the church held a Convocation Service which led to 213 Covid-19 infections and 12 deaths.

The two-day event is held to celebrate Bishop CM Bailey, leader of more than 140 United House of Prayer churches across the country.

A local pastor turned out to protest the gathering.  Reverend Raymond Johnson asked church leaders to cancel the event.

“I just want to save some of these folks.  I don’t want to see people die in vain,” says Johnson.

Another service is scheduled for Sunday night.

CHARLOTTE — A North Charlotte church is gearing up for another mass gathering event during the Coronavirus Pandemic.  Hundreds are expected to attend a service this weekend at the United House of Prayer just months after the church held a Convocation Service which led to 213 Covid-19 infections and 12 deaths.

This weekend’s service is to celebrate Bishop CM Bailey, leader of more than 140 United House of Prayer churches across the country.

According to an anonymous source, church leaders have reduced the number of people who will be allowed to sit inside the sanctuary at the Beatties Ford Road location.  But, the source says the main concern about the Covid outbreak has been the church cafeteria where there are normally crowds of people gathering together to eat.

Bishop Bailey is in the midst of what’s known as the “Southern Tour” where he visits dozens of his churches several times a year.

Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Gibbie Harris released this statement regarding this weekend’s event.

“Mecklenburg County Public Health is aware of the events and have been in conversation with church leadership.  We explained that now is not the time for this type of event considering the extent of the pandemic in our community.  We have been assured by church leadership that they are implementing all necessary precautions and limiting the numbers in the church at any given time.” says Harris.

Bishop Bailey’s tour is expected to continue throughout January.  He’s scheduled to visit United House of Prayer churches in Savannah, Augusta, Columbia, and Greensboro over the next several weeks.