-Deborah Akinyosoye
The General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has lamented the arrest of one of the church’s pastors abroad.
He said the pastor was arrested for addressing those in attendance at a programme “Ladies and gentlemen.”
According to him, the statement was considered discriminatory because it did not capture all of the genders identified by their culture.
The pastor made this known during the church’s monthly thanksgiving service at the RCCG’s Throne of Grace in Lagos State on Sunday.
His sermon, which was broadcast to all parishes of the church, was titled “My father’s house.”
“The end is nearer than you think. Things are getting worse, and this is a wake-up call. One of my pastors abroad was arrested for simply addressing a gathering as ‘ladies and gentlemen.’
“Some people reported him for discrimination, asking, ‘What about those who are neither ladies nor gentlemen?’” he stated.
The clergyman also recounted another disturbing story of a woman who referred to her dog as her husband.
He shared how, when asked about her spouse, the woman claimed, “I took him to the vet before coming. He doesn’t talk,” describing her “husband” as a dog.
Adeboye expressed concern about the erosion of moral values worldwide, viewing these incidents as signs of the end times.
“Those of you already in Christ, take this matter seriously. Do not let anyone weaken your stand. God is holy. Those still playing church—singing, clapping, and enjoying things without genuine commitment—remember, Jesus is coming back. The devil wants to harvest you, but you must not give him the opportunity. I want to see you in my Father’s house,” he noted.
Adeboye, known for talking about national issues and the dealings of the church especially about incorporating alien cultures into its branches across the world recently faulted men with braided hair and women sporting false eyelashes and heavy makeup.
Expressing his discontent with the trend among church workers, Adeboye made it clear that such styles will no longer be tolerated on RCCG altars.
In an address at the church’s 72nd annual convention held in August, his comments highlighted his disbelief at the rising trend of these fashion choices among church members.
This edition of the convention with the theme “Heaven” started Monday, August 5, and ended on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at The Redemption City, Mowe, Ogun State (Lagos-Ibadan Way).