Yul Edochie criticises churchgoers who use phones during services, saying worshippers should put their devices away and focus on God’s word

Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has criticised churchgoers who use their mobile phones during Mass and other church services, describing the practice as “really sad”.

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Edochie shared his concerns in a social media post on Thursday, October 8, 2026, questioning why worshippers find it difficult to stay away from their phones for the duration of a church service.

The actor argued that spending about an hour without a mobile phone should not be difficult, particularly when attending a service meant for worship and listening to the word of God.

According to Edochie, the level of attention people give to religious services should reflect the respect they have for the place of worship and the purpose of their attendance.

He drew a comparison with visits to high-ranking government officials, noting that people are often willing to surrender their phones when meeting a governor or president and remain without them for several hours.

Edochie questioned why the same discipline cannot be observed while worshipping God.

“It’s sad seeing people who go to church and be pressing their phones inside the church while mass or service is going on,” he wrote.

“You mean you can’t stay off your phone for an hour in respect to God?”

The actor continued by comparing the practice with security restrictions often imposed during visits to government officials.

“If you go to see a Governor or President, your phones will be taken from you for hours and you’ll be ok with it,” he said.

“But while you’re in the presence of our Creator, you can’t put off your phone and listen to His word?”

Edochie concluded his message with a brief but emphatic expression of disappointment, writing: “Really sad.”

His comments centre on the growing presence of mobile devices in everyday life and the distractions they can create even during moments traditionally dedicated to worship and reflection.

While phones can be useful for reading Bible passages, taking notes or accessing religious materials, Edochie’s criticism was specifically directed at what he described as people “pressing” their phones while a church service or Mass is ongoing.

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The actor’s post has since drawn attention to the question of how worshippers balance the convenience of mobile technology with the need for concentration during religious services.