The Christian Association of Nigeria has issued a strong caution to the founder of Word Assembly Ministry, Ilorin, Isaac Omolehin over recent public comments questioning leadership structures within Nigerian Christianity.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAN President Daniel Okoh said the association would not tolerate statements capable of undermining unity within the Christian community or misrepresenting its operations.
CAN also dismissed allegations of internal division and mismanagement of relief funds, describing such claims as false, unfounded and misleading, and insisting that it has not received or managed any such funds.
The association expressed concern over what it described as the use of respected church leaders’ names in a manner capable of causing misunderstanding and tension among Christians in the country.
It specifically referenced prominent Christian figures Enoch Adeboye David Oyedepo and William Kumuyi noting that their mention in the controversial remarks could mislead followers and create unnecessary divisions.
CAN stated that it remains a united body and rejected suggestions of any internal split, adding that attempts to portray disunity within the organisation were baseless.
The association warned that it would not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or groups spreading what it described as unverified or defamatory claims capable of damaging its reputation.
The controversy follows a widely circulated sermon by Rev Isaac Omolehin in which he questioned the concept of a single spiritual father figure in Nigerian Christianity and criticised what he described as denominational rivalry among church leaders.
In the sermon, he argued that church leaders should be viewed within their respective denominations rather than as overall fathers of the entire Christian body in Nigeria, a position that has sparked mixed reactions across religious circles.
While some observers see his comments as a critique of structural fragmentation within the church, others считают them disrespectful to elished Christian leadership.
CAN has now urged restraint in public commentary on sensitive religious issues, stressing the importance of unity and responsible communication within the Christian faith community.
Leave a comment