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The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Rev. Enoch Adeboye, has been appointed as the Patron of the Ecumenical Synod of Bishops, Archbishops and Senior Clergy (ESBAASC).
His appointment was announced at the organization’s international conference held at the RCCG Redemption Camp in Emmanuel Park from August 22 to 25, The Church Times reported on Monday.
The theme of the conference was “Religious Tolerance in Nigeria and Around the World”.
The conference explored in depth the meaning of religious tolerance, the challenges it faces and how to achieve religious tolerance.
PUNCH Online reported that ESBAASC could be a group of leaders from different Christian denominations who come together to discuss issues of common concern, such as promoting religious tolerance and unity.
Ecumenical efforts seek to bridge the divides between different Christian groups, encouraging them to collaborate rather than isolate themselves from their own traditions.
Adeboye’s appointment
During the event, the International Bishop and Chief Moderator, Archbishop Kehinde Olubunmi nominated Rev. Enoch Adeboye as Patron and Archbishop Mary Ajisafe as Matron of ESBAASC.
According to PUNCH Online, Ajisafe is the Overseer of God’s Peace Ministry in Lagos.
The appointments were approved unanimously and received loud applause, according to the agency.
Olubenmi highlighted the ongoing collaboration of ESBAASC with global organisations to promote religious tolerance in Nigeria, stressing that once the culture is ingrained, it will naturally extend to other parts of Africa.
Represented by the RCCG National Overseer Emeritus, Rev. Joseph Obayemi, Adeboye lamented the current state of Nigeria compared to the past.
He recalled his youth fasting during Ramadan, eating with Muslims, and living in harmony with Christians, Muslims, and followers of traditional religions.
Religious tolerance
Explaining in depth the meaning of religious tolerance, he said: “It is also a practice that will help promote mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence, unity and peace among people of different cultural backgrounds in Nigeria and the world.”
He, however, noted that Nigeria’s religious diversity has in the past given it a unique identity and acclaim.
He said most religious and sectarian violence was “politically motivated to benefit politicians,” mainly because some people felt they were disadvantaged economically and in other ways compared to others.
Adeboye pointed out that the lack of religious tolerance in Nigeria and globally is rooted in religious divisions, simmering sectarian violence, a misconception of the sanctity of human life, lack of meaningful dialogue and cooperation, and a tendency to label other faiths as inferior.
He urged conference participants to promote religious tolerance, stressing that those who truly believe in God the Creator will choose to love and protect life rather than respond with violence.
Citing various scriptures, he stressed that achieving tolerance requires cooperation among international organizations, governments and civil society. He believed that such collective efforts would create an environment where religious freedom and multi-faith beliefs can flourish.
Killing for religion
Earlier in the meeting, Imam Abdul-Azeez Onike, Muslim chaplain, chief preacher, sharia adviser and researcher at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, stressed the importance of tolerance.
He warned that Nigeria, with its large population, could not afford the ravages of a religious war.
Onik cited historical events such as the Holocaust under Adolf Hitler and the 9/11 attacks orchestrated by al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden as examples of the tragic consequences of intolerance and misguided motives.
The guest speaker at the event, Chairman of PFN/CPFN in Ogun State, Apostle AB Otaru, said religious tolerance was an inevitable outcome of “the understanding of the concept of the humanity of God”.
Xiaoping pointed out that the lack of understanding and love for the Creator, as well as the failure of religious leaders, are the main causes of religious intolerance.
He expressed his belief that if all nations, including Nigeria, demonstrated true love for God, then peace, unity and general happiness would prevail under the guidance of the Almighty.
Gambia Representative
Bishop Samuel Akinola, head of the Gambian delegation to the meeting, said that in Gambia, Christians succeeded in overthrowing the unpopular government of Yahya Jammeh through solidarity and cooperation with the Muslim majority, despite the fact that he had strong support from the UN Security Council.
He urged Nigeria to truly embrace religious tolerance and cautioned against merely appeasing those who resorted to violence over minor provocations.
Akinola pointed out that “in Christianity, many people attack Jesus Christ, but not a single Christian fights back.”
The International Secretary and Administrative Director of ESBAASC, Archbishop Prof. Williams Ozazie, who was appointed as the host of the event, said: “God does not use violence. He does not have any fanaticism in the wrong direction.”
He cited the biblical story of Elijah, who single-handedly defeated 400 worshippers of Baal but then fled the wrath of King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel.
Williams noted that when Elijah was alone, God sent a powerful wind that shattered rocks, followed by an earthquake and fire, but God was not involved. He explained that this was to show Elijah and the world that God is a God of peace who desires reconciliation with humanity.
priest
The ESBAASC’s chaplain corps added colour to the three-day event with rigorous military displays and many chaplains were awarded insignia of new military ranks such as Major General, General, Brigadier General and others.
Bishop David K. Agboola, pastor and commander of ESBAASC, called for religious violence in another interview
In his speech, he said he used the forum to commend the leaders of the Nigerian Army, Armed Forces, Police and other organizations for their role in combating the sectarian violence that has engulfed Nigeria in recent years.
Meanwhile, Olubenmi expressed his gratitude, noting that the communiqué would be issued and sent to the relevant departments in due course.
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