By Adenike Lawal
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has raised concerns over the arrest of one of the church’s pastors abroad.
The pastor was reportedly detained after using the phrase “Ladies and gentlemen” to address an audience at a church event.
The greeting was criticized as discriminatory for not recognizing all gender identities.
Speaking during the monthly thanksgiving service at RCCG’s Throne of Grace parish in Lagos, Adeboye recounted the incident in a sermon titled “My Father’s House.”
His message, broadcast to all RCCG parishes, served as a cautionary reflection on societal shifts.
“The end is nearer than you think. Things are getting worse, and this is a wake-up call,” Adeboye remarked, referencing the arrest as a sign of evolving societal norms.
He noted how the use of conventional language sparked complaints from individuals who felt excluded.
Adeboye also shared another unsettling account of a woman referring to her dog as her husband.
She reportedly explained that her “husband” was at the veterinarian and could not speak, further illustrating what Adeboye described as a decline in moral values.
The pastor urged congregants to remain steadfast in their faith amidst such societal changes.
“Those of you already in Christ… do not let anyone weaken your stand,” he cautioned, emphasizing the importance of upholding Christian principles.
In addition to addressing inclusivity and societal issues, Adeboye reiterated his disapproval of certain fashion trends within the church.
He criticized braided hairstyles for men and excessive makeup or false eyelashes for women, declaring such styles unacceptable on RCCG altars.
His concerns about modern influences infiltrating church practices were also a focal point of the RCCG’s 72nd annual convention held in August at The Redemption City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Through these anecdotes and critiques, Pastor Adeboye continues to advocate for the preservation of traditional Christian values amidst changing global dynamics.