This is a problem that some churches in the increasingly-secular West must dream of sharing. Christianity is growing so fast and so noisily in parts of Nigeria that the authorities are actually having to shut churches down – to secure peace and quiet for local residents. And it is not just churches. Mosques too are being closed in a clampdown on noise pollution. Places of worship are being sacrificed as part of a plan to make Lagos free of noise pollution in just four years.
Many Nigerian churches are in enormous buildings, are well resourced, employ thousands of staff and have large robed choirs full of singers that could give most X Factor contestants a run for the top prize. They hold joyous worship celebrations with loud, compelling gospel music, often accompanied by live bands, that last for hours. FULL REPORT
