The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has been appointed as the Patron of the Ecumenical Synod of Bishops, Archbishops, and Senior Clergy Inc. (ESBAASC). The announcement was made during the group’s international conference held from August 22–25 at Emmanuel Park, RCCG Redemption Camp.
Themed “Religious Tolerance in Nigeria and Across the Nations of the World,” the conference focused on the importance of religious tolerance, its challenges, and strategies for fostering mutual understanding among diverse faith communities.
Archbishop Prof. Kehinde Olubunmi, the International Prelate and Chief Host of the event, nominated Pastor Adeboye as Patron, and Archbishop Prof. Mary Ajisafe, the Overseer of Peace of God Ministry in Lagos, as Matron of ESBAASC. The nominations were met with unanimous approval and a standing ovation from attendees.
During the event, Pastor Adeboye, represented by RCCG National Overseer Emeritus, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, reflected on the harmonious coexistence of different religious communities in Nigeria during his youth. He lamented the current state of religious intolerance in the country, contrasting it with the peaceful interactions he experienced growing up, where Christians, Muslims, and followers of traditional religions lived together amicably.
“Religious tolerance promotes mutual understanding, peaceful co-existence, unity, and peace among people of diverse cultures like Nigeria and the world,” Adeboye remarked. He emphasized that Nigeria’s religious diversity has historically been a source of pride and commendation.
Adeboye pointed out that most religious and sectarian violence is politically motivated, often driven by economic disparities and other grievances. He called for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among religious groups, urging true believers in the Creator to choose love and the preservation of life over violence.
The conference also featured contributions from various religious leaders. Imam Abdul-Azeez Onike, a Muslim cleric and Chief Missioner, warned against the devastating consequences of religious conflict in Nigeria, citing historical events such as the Holocaust and the 9/11 attacks as examples of the dangers of intolerance.
Apostle A.B. Otaru, Chairman of Ogun State PFN/CPFN, underscored the importance of understanding the concept of humanity in God as a foundation for religious tolerance. He criticized religious leaders who fail to promote love and understanding, contributing to intolerance.
The leader of the Gambian delegation, Bishop Dr. Samuel Akinola, shared how Christians and Muslims in Gambia united to overthrow the unpopular government of Yahya Jammeh. He urged Nigeria to genuinely embrace religious tolerance, warning against appeasing those prone to violence over minor provocations.
The conference concluded with the Chaplaincy of ESBAASC performing a military-style display, and attendees were decorated with insignia representing their new ranks. In his closing remarks, Archbishop Prof. Williams Ozazie, International Secretary and Director of Administration of ESBAASC, emphasized that God is a God of peace who desires reconciliation with humanity.
Archbishop Olubunmi gave a vote of thanks, noting that a communiqué would be issued and sent to the appropriate authorities in due course.
