Pastor apologises after worshippers turned away from Manchester prayer conference

Pastor Jerry Eze has apologised to worshippers who were turned away from the NSPPD UK Prayer Conference at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium on Saturday. The free event was organised by Eze’s Streams of Joy International and attracted worshippers from across Britain and other parts of the world. Attendees had been encouraged to register in advance because places were limited, but demand reportedly exceeded availability.

In a video message on Monday, Eze said he was sorry to the tens of thousands who could not enter. He said some people had travelled from as far as Australia, North Macedonia and Sweden to attend the gathering. “Before I continue, I want to sincerely, from the depth of my heart, apologise,” Eze said.

He added that he had been troubled after learning that thousands of people were still asked to leave after travelling long distances. Eze said the situation was beyond his control and that of Streams of Joy, while acknowledging the disappointment expressed by affected worshippers on social media. He repeatedly asked those who were denied entry to forgive the organisers.

He said the organisers had taken note of what happened and promised that it would not be repeated. Eze also assured attendees that lessons would be applied before next year’s gathering, saying they would later see that the organisers had responded to the problem. The conference featured Eze and gospel ministers including Sunmisola Agbebi, Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan and Kaestrings.

Eze ended his message by again apologising to those who had been sent back from the stadium.