The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has been appointed as the patron of the Ecumenical Synod of Bishops, Archbishops, and Senior Clergy Inc. (ESBAASC).
His appointment was announced during the group’s international conference, held from August 22–25 at Emmanuel Park, RCCG Redemption Camp, reports Church Times Monday.
The theme of the conference is “Religious Tolerance in Nigeria and Across the Nations of the World.”
The conference x-rayed what religious tolerance is, its challenges and how to achieve it.
ESBAASC is a group likely including leaders from different Christian denominations who come together to discuss issues of mutual concern, such as promoting religious tolerance and unity.
Ecumenical efforts are initiatives that aim to bridge divides between different Christian groups, encouraging them to collaborate rather than remain isolated in their specific traditions.
– Adeboye’s appointment
During the event, Archbishop Prof. Kehinde Olubunmi, the International Prelate and Chief Host, nominated Pastor Enoch Adeboye as Patron and Archbishop Prof. Mary Ajisafe as Matron of ESBAASC.
Ajisafe is the Overseer of Peace of God Ministry in Lagos, PUNCH Online reports.
According to the agency, the appointments were unanimously endorsed with a standing ovation.
Olubunmi highlighted ESBAASC’s ongoing collaboration with global organisations to promote religious tolerance in Nigeria, emphasising that once this culture is ingrained, it will naturally extend to other parts of Africa.
Represented by RCCG National Overseer Emeritus, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, Adeboye lamented the current state of Nigeria compared to the past.
He reflected on his youth, when he fasted during Ramadan, shared meals with Muslims, and lived harmoniously among Christians, Muslims, and followers of traditional religions.
– Religious tolerance
Giving insight into what religious tolerance is, he said, “It is also a practice that helps to promote mutual understanding, peaceful co-existence, unity and peace among people of diverse cultures like Nigeria and the world.”
He noted, however, that the religious diversity of Nigeria had always given it a unique identity and commendation in the past.
Most religious and sectarian violence, according to him, are “politically motivated to the advantage of the politicians,” mostly when some feel that they are at a disadvantage economically and otherwise, compared to others.
Adeboye noted that the lack of religious tolerance in Nigeria and globally stems from factors such as religious divisions, sectarian violence at the slightest provocation, misguided beliefs about the sanctity of human life, a lack of meaningful dialogue and collaboration, and the tendency to label other faiths as inferior.
He urged conference participants to advocate for religious tolerance, emphasising that true believers in the Creator God will choose to love and preserve life rather than react with violence.
Citing various scriptures, he stressed that achieving tolerance requires the cooperation of international organisations, governments, and civil societies. This collective effort, he argued, would foster an environment where freedom of religion and diverse beliefs could flourish.
– Killing for religion
Earlier at the conference, Imam Abdul-Azeez Onike, a Muslim cleric, Chief Missioner, Sharia Adviser, and researcher at the University of Science, Malaysia, emphasised the importance of tolerance.
He warned that Nigeria, with its large population, cannot afford the devastation of a religious war.
Onike referenced historical events, such as the Holocaust under Adolf Hitler and the 9/11 attacks orchestrated by al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, as tragic examples of the consequences of intolerance and misguided motives.
Guest Speaker at the event, the Chairman of Ogun State PFN/CPFN, Apostle A.B. Otaru, said religious tolerance is a corollary of “the understanding of the concept of humanity in God.”
Otaru pointed out that a lack of understanding and love for the Creator, along with the failures of religious leaders, are key contributors to religious intolerance.
He expressed his belief that if all nations, including Nigeria, demonstrated genuine love for God, it would lead to peace, unity, and widespread happiness under the guidance of God Almighty.
– Gambian Delegate
The leader of the Gambian delegates at the conference, Bishop Dr Samuel Akinola, shared that in Gambia, the unpopular government of Yahya Jammeh was successfully overthrown when Christians united and cooperated with the Muslim majority, despite the strong backing Jammeh had from the UN Security Council.
He urged Nigeria to genuinely embrace religious tolerance, cautioning against merely appeasing those who are quick to resort to violence over minor provocations.
Akinola noted, “In Christianity, many have attacked Jesus Christ without any single Christian fighting back.”
The International Secretary and Director of Administration of ESBAASC, Archbishop Prof. Williams Ozazie, who was dubbed the moderator of the event, submitted that “God is not in violence. He is not in any zeal that is in the wrong direction.”
He referenced the Biblical story of Elijah, who single-handedly defeated 400 worshippers of Baal but later fled from the wrath of King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel.
Williams noted that when Elijah was in solitude, God sent a strong wind that broke rocks, followed by earthquakes and fire, yet the Lord was not in any of these. This, he explained, was to show Elijah and the world that God is a God of peace who desires reconciliation with humanity.
– Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy of ESBAASC added colour to the three-day event with rigorous military performance, while many were decorated with the insignia of their new ranks as sub-ltnt; Major General, General, Brigadier General., etc.
The Chaplain General and the Commandant Gen. of ESBAASC Bishop Dr. David K. Agboola, in a separate interview, called for religious violence
In his address, he said he used the forum to commend the Nigerian Army, Armed Forces, Police, and heads of other organisations for their roles in combating sectarian violence that has engulfed Nigeria in recent years.
Meanwhile, Olubunmi gave a vote of thanks, noting that a communiqué will be issued and sent to the appropriate quarter in due course.
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