The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has been named the Patron of the Ecumenical Synod of Bishops, Archbishops, and Senior Clergy Inc.
According to Church Times, his appointment was revealed during the group’s international conference held from August 22 to 25 at Emmanuel Park within the RCCG Redemption Camp.
The conference, themed ‘Religious Tolerance in Nigeria and Across the Nations of the World’, focused on exploring the concept of religious tolerance, its challenges, and strategies for fostering it.
ESBAASC is likely a collective of leaders from various Christian denominations who unite to address shared concerns, particularly the promotion of religious tolerance and unity.
Ecumenical efforts such as these seek to bridge the gaps between different Christian traditions, encouraging collaboration instead of isolation.
During the event, the International Prelate and Chief Host, Archbishop Prof. Kehinde Olubunmi, nominated Pastor Adeboye as Patron and Archbishop Prof. Mary Ajisafe as Matron of ESBAASC.
Ajisafe serves as the Overseer of Peace of God Ministry in Lagos. These appointments were met with unanimous approval and a standing ovation from the attendees.
Olubunmi highlighted ESBAASC’s ongoing partnership with global organizations to promote religious tolerance in Nigeria, emphasizing that once this culture is ingrained in the nation, it will naturally spread to other parts of Africa.
Represented by RCCG National Overseer Emeritus, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, Adeboye reflected on the current state of Nigeria compared to its past.
He recalled his youth, when he fasted during Ramadan, shared meals with Muslims, and lived harmoniously with people of various faiths, including Christians, Muslims, and adherents of traditional religions.
He defined religious tolerance as a practice that fosters mutual understanding, peaceful co-existence, and unity among people of diverse cultures, both in Nigeria and globally.
He lamented that Nigeria’s once-celebrated religious diversity has now become a source of division.
Adeboye attributed much of the religious and sectarian violence in Nigeria to political motivations, often driven by those who feel economically or otherwise disadvantaged.
He identified several factors contributing to the lack of religious tolerance, including religious divisions, sectarian violence, misguided beliefs about the sanctity of life, a lack of meaningful dialogue and collaboration, and the tendency to deem other faiths as inferior.
The renowned cleric urged participants to advocate for religious tolerance, stressing that true believers in the Creator will choose to love and preserve life rather than resort to violence.
He also cited various scriptures to underline the importance of tolerance, calling for a collective effort involving international organizations, governments, and civil societies to create an environment where freedom of religion and diverse beliefs can thrive.
Earlier at the conference, a Muslim cleric and researcher at the University of Science in Malaysia, Imam Abdul-Azeez Onike, underscored the necessity of tolerance, warning that Nigeria, with its vast population, cannot afford the devastation of a religious war.
He pointed to historical events like the Holocaust and the 9/11 attacks as tragic outcomes of intolerance.
The Guest Speaker, Chairman of the Ogun State PFN/CPFN, Apostle A.B. Otaru, linked religious tolerance to a deep understanding of humanity in relation to God.
He attributed religious intolerance to a lack of understanding and love for the Creator and the failures of religious leaders. Otaru expressed his belief that genuine love for God across all nations, including Nigeria, would result in peace, unity, and widespread happiness.
The leader of the Gambian delegates at the conference, Bishop Dr. Samuel Akinola, shared how Christian and Muslim unity in Gambia contributed to the peaceful overthrow of the unpopular government of Yahya Jammeh, despite his strong backing from the UN Security Council.
He urged Nigeria to embrace genuine religious tolerance, cautioning against appeasing those prone to violence over minor provocations.
The International Secretary and Director of Administration of ESBAASC, who served as the event’s moderator, Archbishop Prof. Williams Ozazie, emphasized 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 to illustrate that God is a God of peace who desires reconciliation with humanity.
The Chaplaincy of ESBAASC added a ceremonial flair to the three-day event with rigorous military performances, while many were decorated with new ranks.
In a separate interview, the Chaplain General, Bishop Dr. David K. Agboola, commended the Nigerian Army and other security forces for their roles in combating sectarian violence in Nigeria.
In closing, Olubunmi expressed gratitude to all participants, noting that a communiqué will be issued and sent to the appropriate authorities in due course.
