The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor Enoch Adeboye has been appointed patron of the Ecumenical Synod of Bishops, Archbishops and Senior Clergy Inc. (ESBAASC).
BVN reports that, his appointment took place at the international conference of the group which was held from August 22-25, at the Emmanuel Park of the RCCG Redemption Camp.The theme of the conference, “Religious Tolerance in Nigeria and Across the Nations of the World” accorded the platform that x-rayed what religious tolerance is, its challenges, and how to achieve it.
At the event, the International Prelate and Chief Host, Archbishop Professor Kehinde Matthew Olubunmi nominated Pastor Adeboye as the Patron of ESBAASC and Archbishop Prof. Mary Ajisafe as the Matron. Their appointments were unanimously endorsed by the gathering with a standing ovation.
He explained that the ESBAASC had been partnering with world organisations to ensure that there is religious tolerance in Nigeria. He said once religious tolerance is imbibed in Nigeria as a culture, the practice will spread to other parts of Africa.
In his address at the event, Pastor Adeboye who was represented by the RCCG National Overseer Emeritus, Pastor Joseph Obayemi lamented the sordid situation in present-day Nigeria compared to what obtained in the past. He recalled how he would fast during Ramadan and ate Moslem foods and visit them while growing up as a youth amidst Christian, Moslem and traditional religions and other faiths.
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 is “politically motivated to the advantage of the politicians” mostly when some feel that they are at a disadvantage economically and otherwise, compared to others.’ Pastor Adeboye observed that religious dichotomy, resorting to sectarian violence at the slightest provocation, wrong belief about sacrosanct of human life, absence of robust interface engagement and collaboration in Nigeria, and tagging other faiths as inferior are the bane of religious tolerance in Nigeria and across the globe. He then enjoined participants at the conference to sue for religious tolerance, remarking that anybody or any religion that truly believes in the Creator God of all, will love, will preserve life rather than taking it at the slight provocation.
Quoting several scriptures he affirmed that to achieve tolerance, there should be the cooperation of international organisations, governments, and civil societies across the world.This synergy in his words will create the atmosphere for freedom of religion and various beliefs to thrive.
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.”
He noted that lack of understanding and love for the Creator God of all; the absence of genuine love and the failures of religious leaders as causes of religious intolerance. He expressed the belief that if all nations of the world including Nigeria show genuine love for God there would be peace and unity and all would be happy for it under God Almighty.
