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.
Aso Reporters reports that 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, Aso Reporters 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.