Abuse in Nigerian Churches

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Abuse in Nigerian Churches - 1

All focus was on Catholic churches recently, but there are many Nigerian churches that are equally if not more guilty of similar and even more ghastly sexual and other crimes against both children and wives of their parishioners, and sadly enough these include incidents in their parishes and branches right here in the U.S.

The only difference is that no gag orders and settlements ever occur as they use their own creative and sometimes spiritual maneuvers to threaten and intimidate their victims to prevent them from talking. Some have been known to even enslave their victims after causing discord between spouses so they can continue to milk their victims for sex and money and sometimes assets.

If a hotline is made open for anonymous reporting, the list will probably supercede the list of the victims of the 419 scam to date.

The advice should therefore be not only to keep a keen eye on who you entrust your kids to (be it in the church, mosque or elsewhere), but also keep a very keen eye on who you entrust your wives, sisters and female family members and loved ones to.

Long gone are the days when all religious institutions were worthy of their roles as havens and sanctuaries of morality, now the immoralities that occur in some of these religious establishments can probably equal those which occur in whore houses, except that those acts are more orderly and mutually agreed to between the participants.

People and sometimes whole family units are exploited in some of these churches for money, sex, and whatever else they can be scammed for and these churches especially the ones in foreign countries including the U.S. have mostly escaped scrutiny, prosecution and exposure by hiding under the umbrella of "separation between Church and State".

Even where reports for any incidences have been made, the western world's inability to comprehend some of the cultural differences have caused some authorities to dismiss some of the reported activities as issued to be settled by the parties of the same language or national origins.

Until the hypocrisies of these religious institutions are exposed and addressed to curb their being used as havens by perpetrators for their religious scams, exploitation and immoral acts, the very fiber of society shall continue to decay, because the next generation of children would probably be exploited by the victims of the current ones.

Cxsm
12th April '02

Abuse in Nigerian Churches -2

If people do not speak out, no resolutions can be attained and once people know they can feel safe to report the perpetrators without the fear of stigma, retaliation, endangerment etc. I believe more people will come out to report and only then will the perpetrators begin to realize that they can no longer make double-victims of those they've been exploiting, abusing and who knows what else. Had more people been encouraged to discuss their truths publicly before now, maybe the scandals being exposed now, would not have grown this much.

I speak of double-victimization, because not only are these people victimized by the initial acts of these predators, they receive a 2nd blow when they and sometimes their families are then threatened, harassed, manipulated and at times attacked physically and spiritually, and tormented to prevent them from reporting.

This is the era of open and available communication and as gaps are bridged, those who need help should be able to reach out and realize that they can indeed receive help somewhere.

Just listening to the stories of the Catholics who have now come forward to speak of their traumas and the effects upon their lives, considering most live in a western society where help is readily available; one can only imagine the plight of Nigerians where such public resources and help are incomparable and "hush" is the word, coupled by the fact that diabolism is the order of the day for some who use it to scare and taunt their victims.

Our quickness in covering up our misdeeds whether it be personally or as a society, is the main reason why the grandeur exposures are now taking place. Not to say that there are not predators in all sections of society, the hypocrisy that places that are supposed to be places of safe haven, harboring some of the deadliest predators with ongoing cover ups is the issue at hand, and sadly enough whether Nigerians accept to admit it or not, the fact is that "it does occur in the Nigerian society and in vastly unreported proportions".

It is not an unknown fact that in 'some' non-Orthodox churches, in Nigeria and Nigerian churches abroad to be specific, the pastors, etc. are not subject to the same thorough and sometimes vigorous standards as far as religious education, standards, doctrines, expectations and oaths that those who have truly earned their collars have, hence anyone can get up any day, declare him/herself a pastor, rent a warehouse and begin any acts of exploitations, after luring congregations with their charismatic acts and sometimes very questionable signs and wonders. Neither are they subject to the same punishment that orthodox and organized churches are subject to.

I wonder if you've ever given thought to the "previously" undeclared reasons behind why a lot of Christians have fallen away from Orthodox churches, joined some other denominations and then dropped out of church-going completely. Not all women and men, and even youths that dropped out from Catholic churches for instance, left because of their "so-called" rigid laws (which are subject to interpretations/relativity), as some have always known and others are now beginning to realize from the unfolding events

The real reasons why people are leaving can only be truly known when there are sincere attempts to find out why and then to resolve the issues instead of "some" churches just trying to woo parishioners by providing more invigorating music, charisma or belittling of other denominations, and whatever gimmicks 'some' churches choose to use.

As in every section of society there are wolves in sheep's clothing and devil incarnates pretending to be pastors or whatever titles they command {as we know some pastors are 'self' rather than 'God' ordained as we recognize them by their fruits, (the topic of anointing vs appointment is another issue to be discussed separately)} and so far we are now seeing that special treatment has only enabled them and worsened scenarios.

I truly feel for innocent and God fearing pastors who not only take their oaths seriously, but have to take the extra work of delivering, healing, counselling and reintegrating those who have been victimized, into the church body and society as a whole, and can only commend their efforts and pray God continues to strengthen them.

I hope and pray this will be the beginning, albeit a minute contribution to the cleansing of immoralities in the houses of religion in Nigeria and their parishes, branches and extensions worldwide.

Cxsm
16th April '02

© Cxsm 2002 All Rights Reserved

admin

--- In abujaNig@yahoogroups.com, "asame" asame00@......com wrote:

Cxsm,

I agree totally. In many ways, the abuse in some Nigerian and other African churches is much worse than 419. For example, aside from the usual sexual thing, there is the is unimaginable lack of humanity and morality in the way the churches (born again or spiritual) become rotweilers for money.

Does anyone remember the case of little Victoria was tortured to death by her Aunt here in the UK? As far as the church was concerned, the poor child was filled with demons (they had to keep her Aunts change coming in, didn't they?), so they prayed to cast the demons out of a child that needed rescue, adding to and feeding off her trauma.

They prey on the innocent and run numerous franchises with the Sunday offerings of the desperate (your local fried chicken shop might belong to your pastor as does the church building). The Aunt and her boyfriend went to court, the church went free!

How many lives have been destroyed? How many marriages have been broken? How many are dead? How many futures wrecked? How many hopes destroyed? How many children derailed? How much suffering and trauma?

We can change this and put an end to such evil. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!
If anyone is interested, we can group together to:
a.. Create public awareness
b.. Offer friendship and counsel to the victims
c.. Forcefully sensitize governments (Western and African) to the evil in the churches
d.. Collate evidence for prosecution of individual churches.

I would appreciate the input of other forum members (especially victims and legal practitioners).

admin

Dear Asame,

I definitely second the setup of some group to address these issues.

(The rest of my response is in part 2 of the above write-up.)

Cxsm

admin

-- In abujaNig@y..., OgbunugwuAI@a... wrote: 4/16/02

Dear Whatever you call yourself,

I am not a Roman Catholic priest. I am an Anglican Priest. It looks like you are the type that dine on emotions and sweeping generalizations. There are Priests who have messed up in the Roman Catholic Church but there are thousands of them who have lived up to their vows and at peace with their God. We cannot bruise all Catholic Priests because some bad eggs are found among them. Be a man. In your write up you took all Nigerian Churches and lambasted them showing the crime of society emanates from there and goes to roost there. You are wrong my friend. Jesus himself trained twelve Galileans and one of them fell out. That was not the fault of Jesus but the fault of Judas.

Do not be hostile to the Church because no one living or dead can destroy the Church. The Church belongs to God. Remember also that the Church has never one day claimed to be spotlessly clean. What makes the Church unique is that it recognizes that her people are sinners asking God for mercy and deliverance. Yes, people fall and people give birth to disappointments. Even Peter denied his master and Judas sold him. Peter asked for forgiveness and was made clean again. If Judas asked for forgiveness instead of killing himself. he could also have received pardon.

Every sensible person should remember the Church with prayers and not with arrogant boasts. Whoever contravenes the law should answer to the law. If any priest turns into a sex abuser that person should answer for his crime but that will not be grounds for smearing all ministers of the gospel. So be sure of what you say lest you kill the innocent without knowing it. Remember that most of us would have been dead by now or still climbing our palm trees with those primitive ropes but for the Church. True or false? If the Church is in crisis today, all of us should mourn because all of us have benefited and continue to benefit from the Church today and tomorrow and even after we are dead. The Church must prayerfully work for ways to change what has not gone well and God will help her do that. Please be humble about what is happening.

No one is happy. When you see a Priest of God in handcuffs is not a matter for jubilation. It calls for weeping. For prayers and a change which God himself will bring to resanctify his people. Do you understand me?

I love you.

Rev. Augustine.
*************************************************************************************
From: c. cxsm

Dear Rev. Augustine,

I choose to respect you and not address you the way you have chosen to address me, because of who I am and how I was raised. I can present my views without the need to get personal or judgmental.
After all the forum is for the sake of open discussions and we should be able to agree to disagree, regardless of our professions and emotions.

To begin with I was quite clear in my opening statement when I stated that "All focus is presently on the Catholic churches right now, but there are many Nigerian churches that are equally if not more guilty of similar and even more ghastly sexual and other crimes against both children and wives of their parishioners, and sadly enough these include incidents in their parishes and branches right here in the U.S."

My statement does not generalize that these acts occur in all churches, neither does it state that they occur only in Catholic churches. Moreso, neither my intent nor statements are attempts to smear all ministers of the gospel.

I was raised and am still a practicing Christian (notice I did not say "church-goer) and because of my education, exposure, residences and travels I've had the benefit of attending various types of churches in my lifetime without necessarily converting as I believe in one God, one faith one baptism; but that does not prevent me from speaking the truth as far as what I know from my personal experiences, other peoples accounts of their experiences, (including spouses whose wives and family members have been victimized) as well as from countless observations, and granting support and counselling to some victims.

Until you personally know someone that has been exploited, and when I speak of exploitation, (I do not narrowly define that by sexual acts, but include monetarily, emotionally, spiritually, etc.) you may just continue to assume that the victims of such acts are minimal and their cries of woes are sweeping generalizations.

Maybe I should throw the challenge to you to start a hotline and then give an account of those who are bold enough to come forward, maybe then you will not be quick to make some of your conclusions.

Our quickness in covering up our misdeeds whether it be personally or as a society, is the main reason why the grandeur exposures are now taking place. Not to say that there are not predators in all sections of society, the hypocrisy that places that are supposed to be places of safe haven, harboring some of the deadliest predators with ongoing cover ups is the issue at hand, and sadly enough whether Nigerians accept to admit it or not, the fact is that it does occur in the Nigerian society and in vastly unreported proportions.

It is not an unknown fact that in 'some' non-Orthodox churches, in Nigeria and Nigerian churches abroad to be specific, the pastors, etc. are not subject to the same thorough and sometimes vigorous standards as far as religious education, standards, doctrines, expectations and oaths that those who have truly earned their collars have, hence anyone can get up any day, declare him/herself a pastor, rent a warehouse and begin any acts of exploitations, after luring congregations with their charismatic acts and sometimes very questionable signs and wonders. Neither are they subject to the same punishment that orthodox and organized churches are subject to.

We're discussing the ills of society and until we cleanse from inside out, whether it be from within the police that are supposed to protect society or religious establishments, churches and mosques that are supposed to morally and spiritually protect their parishioners, men, women and children included, the very fiber of society will continue to decay.

I hold no hostility towards the Church or the true purpose of what Christ meant the Church to be, and I hold no hostility towards my fellow mankind, I even agree that yes, prayers and forgiveness are mostly needed, to be offered on behalf of the predators and exploiters, but the truth remains the truth albeit in Christ's time or in ours; cover ups, denials and apathy have never been known to eradicate personal or societal ills. Enabling creates worse problems and sometimes 'tough love' is just the required medicine.

I wonder if you've ever given thought to the "previously" undeclared reasons behind why a lot of Christians have fallen away from Orthodox churches, joined some other denominations and then dropped out of church-going completely. Not all women and men, and even youths that dropped out from Catholic churches for instance left because of their "so-called" rigid laws (which are subject to interpretations/relativity), as some have always known and others are now beginning to realize from the unfolding events.

Some of the people that have opted to pray, praise and worship God from their homes, (a no. of which is growing) did not leave just because they found the services boring, as we all know solo-worship is not the type God designated, neither can it match communal worship.

The reasons why people are leaving can only be truly known when there are sincere attempts to find out why and then to resolve the issues instead of "some" churches just trying to woo parishioners by providing more invigorating music, charisma or belittling of other denominations, and whatever gimmicks 'some' churches choose to use.

As in every section of society there are wolves in sheep's clothing and devil incarnates pretending to be pastors or whatever titles they command {as we know some pastors are 'self' rather than 'God' ordained as we recognize by their fruits, (the topic of anointing vs appointment is another issue to be discussed separately)} and so far we are now seeing that special treatment has only enabled them and worsened scenarios.

I truly feel for innocent and God fearing pastors who not only take their oaths seriously, but have to take the extra work of delivering, healing, counselling and reintegrating those who have been victimized into the church body and society as a whole, and can only commend their efforts and pray God continues to strengthen them.

Personally the most evil people I've ever met in my life have been from 'a' (Nigerian) church, (a theme I've heard from 'some' other Nigerians, and from indigenes of U.S. who've had their own experiences in 'some' American churches also); but that has in no way deterred me from knowing my call in life, neither has it dissuaded me from being a practising Christian, as my faith is in God and not in a church or a pastor.

God has said the truth shall set us free and I'm speaking the truth as I know it and will encourage many more to do the same.

In your opening statement and in your response you've judged me from a defensive stance, but I believe that the ability to speak the truth makes one a better Christian moreso than just bible-toting for human acceptance. In perfect health and with sound mind rather than emotions, I stand and speak the truth and had more people been encouraged to discuss their truths publicly before now, maybe the scandals being exposed now, would not have grown this much.

Even 'Jesus' whom you cited chased those who were turning the church into a den of thieves etc. out rather than letting them smear the image and purpose that the 'Church' truly stands for.

God knows that there have always been and will always be false prophets who use the church as places to exploit people who are seeking to draw closer to Him; and because of the end results where some flock are driven away rather than closer, due to some of their negative experiences is the reason why passages of the bible including Jeremiah 23 are there to deter people who have taken the oath to be shepherds, from acting against the will of God.

The fact that there is forgiveness in recognizing our follies, confessing our sins and seeking true repentance is what makes us better people and a better society.

Lastly to address your loss and attempt to smear the name "Cxsm" with your opening address, I would very much like to let you know that it stands for "Calling Christians for Salvation & Miracles."

Thank you and may God bless you for your contribution to this issue.

Cxsm
4/16/02

admin

Umm, that was deep CXSM. This sounds very similar to something I was reading a week ago about the Christian Scientists. I don't know much about them but from what I read, it doesn't seem Christ-like to me. Guess it was started sometime this past century. A bunch of Hollywood movie stars swear by it and thus more $$$ into the "congregation". These people swindled so much money from one lady. They claim she needed to be delivered from the demons that were tormenting her. How does someone being taken away from their families going to make it even better. Nope, girlfriend was loaded and they wanted her money to increase the "mission". I forgot to mention that they took her to a "hospital".....she's now dead because they refused to let her get the medical attention that she needed. I don't understand how people fall into these groups. Perhaps vulnerability, depression, loneliness, heck, give anything a try once... I don't understand.

I know this thread is about abuse in churches. I have never been abused in churches by anyone. My family never really let us (children) go anywhere without someone they totally trusted. I feel bad for the child that has died because of someone's greed and lack of humanity. The Dreamer, I want to know your story. Perhaps you can open a window and start the healing process. Put your sword down and let the love in.....

LadyK
12/15/03

admin

First off, I want to point out that these abuses are quite common throughout black churches and not just Nigerian ones. For instance, Britains second largest black churcj was closed down in December 2002 after allegations of financial irregularities/improprieties. The senior pastor was also arraigned in court earlier this year on charges of rape/indecent assault by 4 separate female members.

The plaintiffs alleged they were manipulated by the pastor, whereas counsel for the defense alleged the women seduced the pastor who was too weak to resist. One of the women was married but separated, another engaged to be married, I am unsure about the status of the others. By the way, the senior pastor was a Jamaican. The jury were unable to reach a conclusive verdict, hence the judge dismissed them, and a retrial will take place in April 2004. Meanwhile, our casanova of a pastor has quickly set up a new church, in rented accomodation that is.

There was another case this time with a Naija pastor who came over from Naija. Set up the church, milked his UK members of their hard earned cash which he used to build a huge church back in his hometown in Naija. He impregnated the wife of one of his associate pastors, had several affairs the wives of some of the other staff, as well as congregation. In fact, there was a case were one guy's wife spent a lot of time sleeping in the church. She would come home, bath, cook for the pastor then take the food back to church where she and the pastor ate it together. All the while, she neglected her own husband and kids at home. Her husband remonstrated with her to no avail !!!

The pastor even had the effrontery to say publicly that the women should obey him rather than their own husbands. !!! Basically, he as pastor, had veto power in his members' relationships or home lives. And of course, the besotted females lapped it up. !!! Anyway, this guy told his congregation he was going on missionary work to South Africa, whereas he returned to Nigeria, to the church he had set up with London congregation's money. The fallout began after that. The London church building was repossessed, it wasn't actually purchased outright, however the senior pastor had lied about this to the congregation ( the same thing occured with the Jamaican pastor's church previously mentioned above). The man had run up debts of tens of thousands of pounds (if not over a hundred grand) - same as the Jamaican pastors church.

Several of the people he had purpotedly healed of AIDS, cancer, etc died after his return to Nigeria. The remaining associate pastors were left to carry the can. The pregnant wife of the above mentioned associate pastor tried to push the pregnancy on her husband. The vigilant man knew his dates, and bluntly told her he had never slept with her during the time of its conception. The couple are now divorced. Some of the other associate pastors are continuing the church in rented premises.

Personally, I feel that black pastors nowadays are mainly on a mission of self aggrandizement. The status, power, wealth and women is a trip they can't resist. They view their congregations as just a bunch of simpletons to be taken advantage of. Of course, some of these pastors may have started out with a pure heart, and a genuine desire to preach the gospel, then got sidetracked along the way. Other pastors have planned the whole thing as an elaborate sting/financial scam right from the get go. I have even heard of muslims getting in on the act, professing public christianity, becoming ministers and milking their followers. In private however, they remain stauch muslims.

In general, these people thrive on the gullibility and/or desperation of their congregations. They can say anything and get away with it. Ask anything of their church members, the members will do it. The female members are usually star struck and in awe of the of the aura of power surrounding these "men of God". These women become little more than groupies, and are quite willing to spread their legs for their "heroes", regardless of their marital status. Sometimes, other members of the church hierarchy get in on the act. These folks also have some of the stardust groupie effect. Associate ministers, choir members and house fellowship leaders also have affairs with other members' spouses/partners. If/when the hapless members discover this, and report it to the chuch authorities, the said authorities treat such cases with levity. Even telling the wronged spouse(s) to more or less go take a hike. The erring church folks are usually pastors favourites, the kind I would describe as "Pastor's Pets, Lapdogs, Mafia clique, untouchables". In the pastors' eyes, they can do no wrong.

Now, these churches being largely "one-man-shows", the senior pastor does not have to answer to a church board, or peer-review-group within a denominational setting. The senior pastor often times arrogates to themselves the sole knowledge of right and wrong and interpretation of scriptures. Anyone questioning them, is labelled as not really saved, a backslider, rebellious etc. The docile/gullible congregation are usually lap it all up. The men scramble for the pastor's approval/recognition, with the females being infatuated. I believe this gullibility and unclean intentions, on the part of the congregations, coupled with the minister's dictatorial/predatory tendencies have brought about this mess in the black church today.

What are the solutions ? Folks feel free to contribute your views on the way forward.

CXSM, I hope you find my prose readable, I have just written my thoughts down freestyle without proper organisation. I trust it is still comprehensible ?

Regards
The Dreamer
12/27/03

admin

Thanks The Dreamer,

I hope our discussions here will be eyeopeners that will serve to prevent others from becoming victims in similar environments.

Although the thread is about 'Abuse in Nigerian churches' we are all aware that the problem is not peculiar to Nigerian churches, nor is it peculiar to black churches. It also occurs in Caucasian churches, as in the case of the Catholic churches where some young boys were sodomized and some young girls were raped and/or impregnated, as have been exposed so far.

I've personally had the privilege of attending a church where the pastor and qualified staff end up counseling a lot of Caucasians that have been abused in various churches and other circumstances, and to hear some of the stories, one would be amazed at how rampant, but covered up these cases usually are. I myself ended up there after being severely abused at the 1st (and definitely the last) Nigerian church I attended some years back in the U.S. (I'll post the wisdom of my experiences amongst the advice I give below, that others may learn from them.)

A Russian friend that read my posting sent the below posting to me.

admin

Whew, that was deep. CXSM, I would like to hear about your experiences if they are not too painful for you to share. It's good to talk about this as people know this actually happens, Gen Sani Abacha made some good points too especially about the people setting up their churches for their own gains and not about the work of the Lord. Don't let me get started here.

LadyK
12/27/03

admin

LadyK,

Since you really want to know, I'll post this prior response to a friend who was sharing her frustration over the rulings regarding the Catholic church abuses, and stated how she her she felt betrayed and no longer wanted to be a part of it.
I presently don't feel like reharshing my experiences because I'm exhausted and need to get going, but my responses below wraps it up in a nutshell. After this I reserve the right to share NO more, as this is NOT about me, but for the benefit of those who may be potential victims. I've already learnt from my experiences, the only good that can be derived from it is the wisdom I've gained from it, most of which I've already detailed in the last posting.

admin

CXSM, thank you for being open and sharing your experiences with us here at the NIA. I appreciate you candor and willingness to talk about these issues. I will not probe again...

LadyK
12/28/03

admin

I deliberately held back from saying anything on this topic because I assumed there will be people with much more experience of this kind of thing. It saddens me to hear that this kind of abuse is still happening.

CXSM, you pretty much hit the nail on the head with the article about religious leaders and corruption. The sad thing is that not enough people are speaking out about it. I've made some very interesting discoveries over the past few years, one of them being that people will go to churches where they can hide, the bigger the better. And I'm not even talking about the questionable leadership in some. Until those of us who call ourselves Christians take a stand against these things, people will continue to bring the name of God into disrepute and we will be landed with the label "hypocrite". You will find that where you take a stand against the moral corruption and decadence taking place in some parts of the church, you are called self-righteous and people will target you in the most unpleasant way.

We could cite cases where here in the UK the Charity Commission is looking at the accounts of certain churches and people are using the feeble excuse "they (the Charity Commission which often means "white people") don't understand how black churches operate". At the best of time that's rubbish because lots of churches have had to comply with these regulations, so why should black churches be exempt from them? What about cases where churches are run as personal fiefdoms (can't call it anything else) and the members passively seem to view it as acceptable? Where members are intimidated into doing XYZ which isn't Scriptural, but no one bats an eyelid because the pastor says it, it must be from God. Truth be told, they are more like cults than Christian churches and I think we need to be very discerning as to whom we choose to ally ourselves with. By the way The Dreamer sir, a correction; the pastor in question who was in court a few months ago over allegations of rape/indecent assault whose church closed down isn't Jamaican.

We could probably all speak of cases where abuse has taken place in the name of God in churches. CXSM, I cry when I hear of situations like yours, because it makes me so angry that still nothing is being done about this kind of abuse and we let people get away with treating others badly (and that's an understatement). Your Russian friend isn't very wrong about judgement. The whole debacle of gay Bishops and paedophilia is just the tip of the iceberg.

There are many damaged people out there, but I believe that if enough people speak out collectively that something could happen. Now it's simply a case of "who is willing to tie the bell around the cat's neck"?

Nozza
1/3/04

admin

admin

The Dreamer sir, not wanting to say too much about the gentleman in question, he's actually from another Caribbean island. I used to know his sister very well. And I'm assuming we are referring to the same person (unless there's another case that has come up which I'm unaware of).

The term "yardie" is sometimes used to identify people who move in certain crowds, especially if they are from the Caribbean or a Caribbean background. Not all yardies in the broader sense (at least in the UK) are Jamaicans. He was a "rude bwoy" as far as I've been told, but yardie he ain't. He may have been born there (I can't say if he was or wasn't for sure) but his parents aren't Jamaicans.

Naming names would achieve no particular objective, and in any case my bank account isn't big enough to deal with the fallout But that really isn't the point here is it? I think we are all being very circumspect in dealing with the specifics, and for obvious reasons we have to be.

Recently I was told about a programme on one of the radio stations where someone was trying to defend one of the pastors/churches caught up in one of these allegations, which is where the quote about "how black churches operate" comes from. Thing is, it wasn't even a Christian station, I cringe at the thought of what the ordinary listener's opinion of THE CHURCH would have been after hearing it. Thing is, whatever happens in one part of The Church affects all of us, regardless of our denominational background or affiliation.

Nozza
2/1/04

admin

Nozza,

Very well spoken and thanks for that, cos I have tended to distance myself from some of our more dubious brethren, though I am far from perfect myself !!! It just seems funny that these 'dodgy' characters are in prominent positions in a lot of churches. You'll find them in the Choir, as Ushers, protocol etc, and seem to do no wrong in church leaders' eyes. I must confess, I stopped playing any significant role in church years ago. As far as I am concerned, the dubious folks can take their status and everything else, and shove it where the sun don't shine.

All I care about is my personal relationship with Christ. At my age, I have better things to do than fight for cheap popularity in Church. As I have also followed a strict policy of chastity, I have no intention of getting involved with those of a more, shall we say "liberally permissive" Christian disposition. I have been labelled as "Saint, Taliban, Soldier" etc for my stance, which I just shrug off, water off a duck's back I suppose.

Though I do pray for the Church in general, I prefer to keep my own counsel and company. And I do tend to act as if our more "adventurous" brethren haven't got anything to do with me!!!

By the way, how did you "used to to know his sister very well"?

O'l boy, I dey fear you o! :shock: Abi na hin church you dey go bifor bifor ? Tufia! Mek I kuku pick race comot b/4 for hia!

ciao
The Dreamer
2/1/04

admin

Now The Dreamer, I am very surprised at you. I mean, I would assume with the number of cronies and synchophants surrounding you that you would be used to taking loads of useless advice from them!

But I understand what you mean about distancing yourself from the more dubious brethren. Unfortunately at the best of times they're all over the place like a rash, so it's hard to avoid them. Our relationship with Christ is worked out in our relationship with each other, a hard thing to do when some people aren't even in a right relationship with Him and the relationship they want with you is questionable. At the end of the day you keep a few friends close, and the rest can...well, you expressed it more bluntly than I would!

Let's not even talk chastity. When people hear that someone has been born again for x number of years, the next question is usually "you mean in all that time you never...?" It's like people think you're unnatural or a freak. Or there must be something wrong with you. What is this obsession with sex that some people in church have? Aren't the teachings in Scripture pretty clear on this subject? I don't get it.

And what's with the other obsession, money? Money has now become the new god in some churches. I am tired of hearing people talk about their "prosperity" in Christ, which has nothing to do with spiritual blessings, but how to line their pockets, be it legally or illegally. I've had to ask, if it is God's intention for us to be "blessed" along purely physical lines, does that mean that poor people are cursed? So far no one has answered.

Many people have done church for so long, they know the language and how to use it, but it does not correspond with their day-to-day life. Christianity is a 24-7 thing, not something to turn on only for Sunday mornings or when you're in the presence of the pastor or a religious somebody. I guess some people have their reasons for going to church, and sadly, many of those reasons have little or nothing to do with spirituality. When you start to go against the flow of that kind of hypocrisy, you will be ostracised, ridiculed and bad mouthed. Some prefer lies rather than the truth and if you won't feed them what their itching ears want to hear, be guaranteed you will be out of favour.

BTW, I checked and can confirm that the pastor in question is definitely not from Jamaica.

The Dreamer, I wish I knew enough pidgin English to reply in kind about who I know (or knew). Me, I have to be careful o! But... your fear may not be unfounded.

Nozza
2/1/04

admin

Hear Hear Nozza!!

I will have to set up a high powered Special Military Tribunal to probe the exact nature of your very deep "knowledge" of this pastor's sister!

Methinks you are being cagey, maybe because you "knew" her in the biblical sense that Adam "knew" Eve, and she begat Cain?

Point taken on the guy not being Jamaican. By the way, which Carribean Island does the main come from? Surely, this si not too much "confidential" info to reveal?

Stay Blessed
The Dreamer
2/2/04

admin

The Dreamer,

I think you want to get me into trouble!!! :o :shock:

I say nothing. Let's just say the circles I used to be around years ago I am not anymore....

The sister and I went to the same church back then, that's how I came to know her (in a non-KJV sense!).

I guess asking for a lawyer before interrogation is out of the question then?

Methinks you are just afraid of another threat to your power base.

Nozza
2/2/04

admin

Religious Leaders Encourage Corruption - Obasanjo

Reuben Yunana
12th Jan. 2004

As the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), launched its national campaign against corruption yesterday, President Olusegun Obasanjo advised Christian leaders to stop condoning corruption amongst their flock. The president, who spoke as the special guest of honour at the launching in Eagle Square, Abuja, cautioned Christian leaders not to accept donations from members who live above their legitimate means and advised them (leaders) not to make "unnecessary and unreasonable demands" of people in government.

He said they must, as religious leaders, be bold and speak up against corruption in all its ramifications. "Don't say because you want to build a new church and someone gives you one million naira and then you take it and you say: God bless your purse. God does not bless that kind of purse. Because you know in your heart of hearts that he could not have got that money through legitimate means.

"The man whom you know that his level of income cannot do what he is doing, you must know that there is something behind it. When you see corruption, as servants in the Lord's vineyard, you should say the truth against it," Obasanjo said.

The president pleaded with church leaders not to corrupt government officials through what he called unnecessary and unreasonable demands. "Of course, if you come to me and you say I should do something I know I cannot do it. But when you have ministers and the next thing you do is call a party and go to the minister to do those things that he should not do, it is corruption, when you use your God given authority to do what you should not do it is corruption," he said.

Stressing that no believer whatsoever should connive with corruption or condone it, Obasanjo recalled that God destroyed the world in the days of Prophet Noah because of the evil of corruption and defined corruption as not necessarily the use of money to get favours but also the use of positions to influence government decisions "for your children, brothers, friends or your village."

The event witnessed songs and a prayer session against corruption in the family, the church, the government, the security and armed forces, the civil society the educational system and the media. A sermon titled "Righteousness exalts a nation" was delivered by CAN President, Reverend Peter Akinola.

Someone's reaction

admin

admin

Folks,
Earlier on in this thread, I had mentioned the case of a UK based pastor of a black church facing allegations of indecent assault from some female former members of his church. The case had gone to court last year, but wut the jury failed to reach a conclusive verdict. Thereafter, the judge dismissed them and scheduled a retrial for this year, this retrial commenced a few weeks back. The prosecution case amounts to a charge of 12 counts of indecent assault by 4 different female former members. Counsel for the defence denies these charges naturally. Instead, they suggest that the women in question led the pastor into temptation. They even concede that the pastor may have taken advantage of the adulation heaped upon him by his female members, and may have succumbed in a moment of weakness! They state that he is not on trial for moral impropriety or marital infidelity therefore the jury should not be swayed by arguments other than this. Now the prosecution have brought forth allegations of witness intimidation on the part of the defence. It seems that some of those in the pastor's camp have tried blackmail and/or intimidation to manipulate some prosecution witnesses to either not give evidence, or to make their evidence favourable to the pastor's case! ( Not surprisingly, on both sides we can find some UK based Naijas ). The case is still continuing, and a verdict will soon be reached !!!

For now, I would urge folks to be cautious when they attend new churches. By all means respect your pastor, hoiwever don't turn yhim/her into a demi-god as too many black people would seem to do !!!

Brothers beware. Too many sisters are susceptible to the charms of charismatic pastors, fellowship leaders or departmental leaders. Without being insecure or paranoid, be on guard for threats to your relationship emanating from these quarters. Know that if this does happen to you, most of the church leadership and people will side with your lady and her lover, even though you have been wronged!!!

I'm speaking from personal experience guys

You wouldn't want to find out that your wife's new baby looks like pastor A, or brother B from the choir or brother C from the ushers!!!

When giving, ensure you give out of Love and worship to God, not out of guilt!!! Too many ministers make a habit of guilt-tripping people into giving!!!

Don't be suprised if brethren fail to expect rally round when going through life's storms, heck don't be surprised if they laugh, mock and scoff at you!!!

Ensure your circle of friends extend beyond your local church. While I won't advise against friendships in your church, make friends and acquaintances from other churches, and even among non-believers!!! I feel it is very unhealthy to draw your friends exclusively from your local church. In case you run up against the church leaders or one of their favourite lackeys, most of the congregation might turn against you including your erstwhile close friend !!!

Well people, that's all for now.

Stay blessed
The Dreamer
5/4/04

admin

Wow! I'm not going to say that I'm shocked, but it is something to hear it straight from the horse's mouth. Abuse in all forms is so prevalent in the contemporary church. I am particularly disturbed by all this, "God told me..", and "I heard God say...", and "If you sow into THIS ministry, you will be blessed...". It can be very distressing and confusing because you want to increase your faith and you want to be obedient and you want to respect the man of God, but some of these ministries/churches take it too far in their self-aggrandizement, as someone stated earlier.

I'm African American and have dealt with some serious emotional abuse while attending a church pastored by a Nigerian - I refuse to call it a Nigerian church. I am not being offensive, but the people were just hearing from God way-y-y-y too much for me. And I kept telling them respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, but I also hear from God and what you are saying is not conducive with my spirit". The pastor was a very young Uyo guy and his wife was Igbo. There was obvious contention even in their marriage relationship, so that was my first red flag to be careful. He always wanted to know everything that was going on in your life so he could know how to pray for you. Hmmm! And the mother-in-law was so wicked. She would tell you the meanest things and say she was prophesying. They were always talking of living in the supernatural and how they were going to change the atmosphere in Houston. But they couldn't even afford to buy a building. Hmmm. How supernatural is that?

I pray that we will all be careful to know who God wants in our lives and what purpose the relationship with them will serve. Yes, sometimes adversaries come to make you stronger. But I have learned to never, I mean never substitute someone else's judgement for my own. Hallejuah! Can I get an amen?

MrsEze
5/5/04

admin · Watch out for stuff like that. LadyK 5/5/04

Watch out for stuff like that.

LadyK
5/5/04

admin

admin

admin

Update

The pastor in the sexual assault allegations was jailed in May 2004 (at least I think it was May) for three and a half years on one count of sexual assault. The other three counts were dismissed if I remember correctly. He started a new church where his misses is in charge (till he gets released maybe?).

ciao
The Dreamer
2/8/05

admin

Abuse in one-man-says-it-all churches will always abound as long as he /she is the alpha and omega. At least the Orthodox churches have a heirachy that can hold a pastor accountable. A Nigerian pastor based in Tampa, Florida who was quoting ferrociously to me from the Bible to give my life to Christ in the same breath was hitting on me to, tried to kiss me (!!!!), and hear this: he's twice divorced, has a girlfriend who was 7 months pregnant. So I asked him if he has never heard the term "fornication before" and told him to come back and preach to me when he has read his bible well.

The catholic church has seen abuse cases publicly aired...even one case is bad enough, but there will always be evil people who penetrate the fold of Christ and atonement and punishment is nececsary. But for those (especially Naija pastors) who hide and sin in God's name, their judgement is coming and it will be brutal.

Olakunbi
4/1/05

admin · Interesting..... ....to the front page..... Faithsnr 8/28/05

Interesting.....

....to the front page.....

Faithsnr
8/28/05

admin

I once attended a Nigerian pastored church in the US where most of the men including the pastor made attempts to have sex with me. The wife of the pastor even asked me to marry her husband so he could get a green card despite the fact that (not being aware that I knew) she was the same person who summoned another worker in their church to do some diabolical work for her against me, because she knew her pastor husband was attracted to me. Had the guy not known that I wasn't interested in her husband or anyone else in their church (and probably because he was also chasing me), he wouldn't have told me that he defended me and told her that no such deviousness was necessary because I wasn't interested in her husband, nor a threat to her.

This same guy who said he defended me, tried his best to convince me to date him, despite being aware that I had a boyfriend who was not a member of their church. It would also be foolish of me, considering after his previous revelation, I knew that he wasn't a true Christian and was capable of diabolism. This same guy pretended he was interested in my spiritual growth and tried to brainwash me, like Mona said, Bible in one hand, sexual and diabolical weapons in the other. Also, I found out that another chap he begged me not to report to the police for trying to sexually assault me was his cousin, so when he tried to do the same I made it clear I would call the police.

I tried to keep focused on the reason I was in the church which was to worship God and grow spiritually, but eventually, I decided all the fighting, wife stealing, home destroying, backbiting, gossiping, underlying strange cult-like practices and other vices were too much for me. Nothing like this happens in Orthodox churches, coupled with the fact that instead of discipline, bias were common as even the pastor and his selected church workers or so-called elders were known to receive sexual, monetary and fraudulent favours from unscrupulous members and therefore despite glaring evidences would never find obvious wrongdoings, nor punish, but defended such.

An example of this was when one idiot tried to hit me for disregarding his sexual advances, which surprisingly some of the women members condoned, and I called the cops. The pastor and women chastised me for calling the cops instead of punishing the offender. They had all been brainwashed and I was despised for trying to live a godly and righteous life. I was mocked for wanting to live a holy life and only a very few of us showed up for Bible study or actually had bibles or brought them to church. It wasn't because they couldn't afford it either because I donated bibles and some just weren't interested. I suppose we that attended Bible study were considered the foolish ones, who actually believed in fasting, praying and follow through. Strange considering the Nigerians in Nigeria are usually hungry for God's word.

Like MrsEze said, these church workers were TOO interested in knowing what was going in ones life so they could pray about it, but I wasn't forthcoming. Also for some reason they kept their false prophesies and visions from me, I suppose they knew I knew the word of God and wasn't going to fall for such bull. I was more interested in growing spiritually than in winning a popularity contest, no wonder they envied and hated me. Plus I wasn't interested in their social circles, since I didn't think church was where I needed to make friends.

I'm glad God removed me from such a devilish and demonic environment or I probably would either have been dead from constantly trying to resist their evil or become one of them. I later heard that the pastor who had lied to me about being fraudulent, even putting a Bible on his head to swear was jailed for fraud. He lied to me a human being, but he swore using God's word, and God did not condone his attempt to mock His holy word and gave him his just reward. His wife who I was told introduced him to such activities, also left him shortly after and now claims to be born again.

My advice is that "any church that does not practice what it preaches, and any church were the vices are apparent and obvious, overshadowing any good you can derive from it, is NOT a church, but a devil's workshop. Also, any church where members or hierarchy seek to know your personal business and try to brainwash, or practice anything unscriptural, openly or discretely is NOT a church, but a CULT."

Take heed, listen to your inner man and RUN!!!

Araba
2/28/08

admin

Pastor Flogs Member to Death

Vanguard
Simon Ebegbulem
19 May 2008

Pandemonium broke out weekend in Benin after a member of one of the new generation churches in the city, identified as Stella was allegedly flogged to death by her Pastor during a deliverance session.
Vanguard learnt that the incident which occurred around Ekiosa market, off Sakpoba Road at about 4:30am yesterday, threw the entire congregation into confusion as several efforts made to revive her after she collapsed yielded no result.

A member of the church, who craved anonymity, told Vanguard that the deceased woman, whose husband resided abroad, was a pioneer member of the church and mother of two children.

The source said the deceased was hale and healthy when she arrived for the deliverance night.

It was said that the deceased was tortured as her hair was shaved while marks of cane were visible all over her body. The source said however that "as it seems, the bereaved family has resigned to fate because one of the Pastors who was arrested by the police over the incident was released on bail."

When Vanguard visited the Church yesterday, the building was under lock and key. When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Peter Ogboi confirmed the incident but however disclosed that his men at the Esigie Police Station were yet to brief him fully on the issue.

admin

TBJ: A Prophet and his Sex Slaves

Taju Tijani

The case of Anneka Kinch made a sober viewing. On Tuesday October 14 2008, the World in Focus programme of the Revelation Christian channel beamed a tantalising view of satanic harem to millions of its viewers. Bespectacled Pastor Yemi Balogun, the ebullient and intelligent anchor of this programme brought in a beautiful, clever but victimised white woman to pirouette, like a singing canary, on a topic aptly dubbed, “Delivered from a cult.”

Anneka Kinch did not disappoint. She pried open previously closed inner world of a libidinous famous prophet who morph nightly into a sexual monster. She regurgitated a sustained immoral revelation of sexual abuse that induced an insanely, eye-bulgingly and mouth-foamingly fury which naturally cascaded into an alarming moral panic. Grumbling grenades were dropped on the fortified Synagogue of this notorious and well-known Ikotun-Egbe based prophet. TBJ is a muddy creek, an exemplar of the ignoble black devil, grand master of the antiquated Sodomic Order, empty vessel, deceiver and prince of darkness. Since the beginning of time, man, yes mortal man, has combed the wilds, mountains, forests and rivers in search of a Deity to worship and praise. In each of us, there is a distant echo of the sacred. There is also an inner conviction that the world could not have been perfectly ordered without God as the architect and divine driver-designer.

After thousands of years of reverence for the light of salvation, the forces of capitalism would later bring a seismic shift. When capitalism brought wealth to man, his innate adoration for God took a spectacular tumble under the weight and greedy embrace of the good life. Expectedly, spiritual death set in. Not for long. Along came a massive gale of change. Since spiritual vacuum could not be sustained for long in the heart of man, a new quest began to emerge. Then in the 50’s, Pentecostalism was born. The whole world was encircled with a replay of the day of the Pentecost. Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, spiritual warfare, deliverance, salvation, grace, embrace of prosperity, worship, vigil, crusade, evangelism, healing, prophecy, resurrection and demonic exorcism become the dominant paradigms of the new church.

Man’s search for the spiritual after a thaw has now received a deserved renewal through Americanised televangelism. Africans were to give the new charismatic movement a solid rearguard. Even then, the emergence of post-modern prosperity, unrestrained freedom and the birth of individualism ushered in an era of heretical views, and once again, the existence of a divine God began to be re-examined and questioned. Falling on their freely given spirit of choice, thousands of people saw God in ‘Mother Meera’ an Indian woman who lived in Germany.

Thousands more would found a divine reincarnation of God on earth in Guru Maharajah along Ibadan-Lagos expressway. Even in late Prophets Godspower Oyewole and Maryland-based Jesus of Oyingbo.

Millions who were unable to comprehend the existence of God Almighty resorted to worshipping Satan, ogun, ifa, yemanja, egun, crystals, animals, Feng Shui, sacred stones, forests, Hinduism and Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Those seeking the meaning of life began to embrace readily available man-made alternatives which led to more confusion, depression, emptiness and anxiety.

There is no language, no symbols strong enough to illuminate the realities of the existence of God. Anneka Kinch was caught between these extreme dilemmas. She grew up in a christain household under devout and God-fearing parents. Like the pilgrims fathers, she was infected with

a quest to search for the real and living God. She found God in her home turf of United Kingdom. Unsatisfied, she upped her spiritual ante by looking further afield for signs and wonders. Then something happened.

The atmosphere of her old church was warm and spirit-filled. At 18, she enjoyed every bit of her Sunday worship with family and friends. Later, she got bored of listening to the same old, recycled Sunday homiletics, moral certainties and Bible stories. Innocently, a male member of her local church brought a DVD of an African prophet performing miracles. The miraculous rendering of the prophet’s awesome supernatural power overawed Anneka Kinch. Instantly, gullibility and adventure became fused and she headed out to the sun. Against the received wisdom of her pastor, she headed for Nigeria in search of signs, wonders and the miraculous. Her internal demons seem less easily placated or persuaded to behave. She wanted to see a reincarnated Jesus on African soil! She desired God but a serpent was waiting. This time without the apple nearby!

In Mao’s China, during the Cultural Revolution, re-education was a must. There, all the codes, philosophy and attitudes of the new China were born. In the Synagogue, the prophet’s Bible study regime is ring-fenced with rigid codes, subtle manipulation, fear, threat and weird misinterpretation of the Holy Bible. Months after Anneka Kinch’s embattled mind was won over with bitter lies, a new perverted dimension to her acculturation unfolded. She began to notice regular assignations between the prophet and other young ladies. Many of them, both black and white had come from different countries in search of the miraculous but are being recruited into a sophisticated harem. They are being recruited into a nether world of sexual slavery. Naively, they become cannon fodders for the insatiable sexual appetite of a bearded Satan who masquerades as an angel of light and salvation.

Dazed, befuddled and fooled, poor Anneka Kinch was caught in the intriguing sexual web of a prophet she believed with immovable conviction that he was God. She ran assignations several times to the pent house bedroom of our prophet of doom. Interestingly, the prophet was able to make his sinful union chic, respectable and sought after with rich permutations of passing anointing through copulation with his female disciples! The prophet believes in false cross-fertilisation. Christ knew better. He had no female disciples!

The Nigerian Pentecostal movement is presently embattled. Its umbrella regulator, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, an impotent outfit, cannot pretend to be unaware of the dark dealings of the human mirage of Ikotun Egbe. Nigerian pastors, ministers, reverends and priests are becoming spiritual aggressors who prey on the weak, the poor and the gullible. Many of them are aware of TBJ’s sexual depravity but sadly they are silent and have remained cowards behind the anesthetising security of the stained-glass windows. Even the most optimistic believers feel a slight frisson of trepidation that indicated the possibility of erosion of moral honesty, self control, truth and long suffering among the rank of our preachers. Majority of them continue to use immoral means to attain moral ends. TBJ’s cable television, Emmanuel, has been used to spin and burnish his pastoral image as the saviour of the blind, the lame; the widow, the widower and the unemployed.

The spiritual hubris engulfing the Nigerian churches clearly shows how easily pastors, prophets, evangelists, apostles and reverends with empty vision can capsize destiny as in the case of Anneka Kinch. Rather than settle for benign complacency and suffer ongoing sexual mutilations, Anneka Kinch made a dash for freedom. Back home in the UK, it took months for the mist of her spiritual misadventure to clear. Then she woke up and suddenly realised that she had been delivered from a cult.

admin · Dr. Rev King Attempts Additional Grounds of Appeal

Dr. Rev King Attempts Additional Grounds of Appeal

2nd May '08

Attempts by the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly (CPA), Isolo, Lagos, Emeka Ezeugo a.k.a. Dr. Rev King, to introduce additional grounds of appeal in the appeal he filed before the Court of Appeal, Lagos has suffered serious setback as the court struck out the application.

King is challenging his conviction last year by an Ikeja High Court, Lagos for murder and is asking the appellate court to set aside the judgement of the lower court and quash as well as reverse the conviction handed down on him by the lower court.

admin

Pastor Arrested for Sodomizing Under-age Boys

2nd May '08

A pastor of a pentecostal church in Satellite Town, Lagos, has been arrested by the police for allegedly having sexual relationship with six under-age boys in his parish. Reports said the pastor, who is in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Panti, Yaba, was earlier detained by the police at Agboju but released on bail.

john cole

Why all these abuses happen in the church is because of poverty and make belief that the pastor are God appointed people and they can do no wrong. So, all the church goers have to be reprogrammed, because they have been programmed to belief that the pastor can do no wrong.

They are being brainwashed by those so called pastors, that must do what they are been told to do otherwise, they will go to hell. It's good to believe in scriptural authority.