The acquisition of private jets by Christian leaders
diminishes the moral voice of the church in the fight against corruption, the
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev Matthew Kukah, declared yesterday.
He spoke against the backdrop of the presentation of a
private jet to the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria
(CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, by members of his church during the celebration
of his 40th anniversary in the ministry penultimate Saturday.
Kukah, who was guest speaker at the annual Founder’s Day
Anniversary lecture of
Providence Baptist Church in Lagos, described exhibition of
such opulence by church leaders as embarrassing.
Kukah, who was represented by the Administrator of Holy
Cross Cathedral Lagos, Rev. Monsignor Pascal Nwaezeapu, also expressed
displeasure with the perceived closeness of the CAN leadership to the corridors
of power.
He said such alliance will weaken the ability of the church
to speak the truth to elected public office holders.
According to him: “CAN has become more visible in relation
to national prayer sessions, pilgrimages, alliances with state power and so on.
“Unless we distance ourselves, we cannot speak the truth to
power. We cannot hear the wails of the poor and the weak. We should not be seen
as playing the praying wing of the party in power.”
He challenged the church to speak against corruption in low
and high places, saying such responsibility must never be jettisoned for any
reason.
Apart from Orisejafor, other church leaders who own private
jets include Founder of Living Faith Ministries, Bishop David Oyedepo; General Overseer
of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye; Founder of
The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo and Pastor Chris
Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy Church.
Source: Premium Times
Tell them. They think they can deceive us.
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