Tag: Christian Association of Nigeria

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Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Disowns Video Clip of Solidarity Visit to COZA

VISIT OF SOLIDARITY TO COMMONWEALTH ZION ASSEMBLY ( COZA): CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT IT

The attention of the President of CAN, Rev. Dr. Samson O. A. Ayokunle has been called to a report and a video clip going round that Christian Association of Nigeria has sent her officials to Commonwealth of Zion Assembly(COZA) Church to stand by the Senior Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo on the rape allegation against him.

This message is to categorically inform the Christian leaders, the general public and all lovers of truth that CAN or the President of CAN did not approve and knows nothing about such a solidarity visit.

Those who did so did it on their own. We stand by our earlier release on this issue that while we would never support any act of immorality from whatever quarter, we would not jump into passing judgement without thorough investigation of the matter.

The President of CAN is in communication with the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude and has given the right to investigate the allegations to PFN and then revert to CAN. We can tell you that PFN has already constituted a panel that is investigating this matter and in less than two weeks, the outcome of the investigation will come out. We urge all our Christian brothers and sisters to know that this is the position of CAN. We would not spare anyone who is found wanting from facing appropriate disciplinary measures.

We appreciate sincerely the prayers and support of the Christians and all peace loving Nigerians for the Church and the nation.

Evangelist Barrister Kwamkur Samuel Vondip
National Director of Legal and Public Affairs,
Christian Association of Nigeria.
15th July, 2019

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Letter To The Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN) About The Inconsistency Of The Association

Rev Supo Ayokunle
National President
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
National Christian Centre
Central Area, Abuja

The Inconsistency Of The Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN)

 

Dear Sir,

On Friday, June 28th, an interview granted by Mrs Busola Dakolo, alleging that Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) raped her,was made public.

On Wednesday, July 3rd, CAN’s National Director, Legal and Public Affairs, Mr Kwamkur Samuel Vondip issued a statement stating:

The association recognises that COZA, to the best of our knowledge, is not a member of any of the families that belong to CAN.

CAN, as an association, is equally sad that there have been recurrent allegations of rape and infidelity against some gospel ministers and other Christians as well.

While efforts must be made to get to the root of the matter through thorough investigation, the association condemns totally any act of infidelity either by a pastor or any member of the church of God. Immoral relationships with anybody in the society are against the teachings of the Bible and the church, and we urge all believers all over the country to run away from them.

On Thursday, July 4th, another interview was made public of an ex-COZA employee who is also accusing Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of rape.

On Sunday, July 7th, in a statement by Joseph Daramola, CAN’s Acting General Secretary stated:

Having reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, God has committed to us the ministry of reconciling the world unto Himself and to one another.

Since both Pastor Fatoyinbo and Mrs. Timi Dakolo are Christians, the leadership of CAN is already seeking ways to address the issues in order to heal every wound already inflicted on the parties concerned and the body of Christ in general.

It is our hope that steps which will exacerbate the current damages already done will be avoided.

As we seek the help of CAN Elders and the Holy Spirit in resolving the current problem, it is our prayer that both parties will sheath their swords and stop the media war in the interest of the Church and for the greater glory of God.

Yesterday, Sunday, July 15th, two CAN executives – Rev Samson Jonah (CAN Chairman, FCT) and Rev Israel Akanji (CAN Chairman, North-Central) were guests at COZA.  Rev Jonah stated:

I assure you that we are with you, and we will continue to be with you. We are in support of the church. We are in support of your pastor. We stand by him; and this church will continue to march forward. I say and declare that the gates of hell shall not prevail against this church in the might name of Jesus.

We are therefore confused about CAN’s position on this matter. From saying COZA is not a member; to saying that the allegations must be investigated and then a public declaration of support.

Meanwhile, your member organisation, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) had on Wednesday, July 10th constituted a Committee to investigate all allegations and report within 2 weeks.

Sir, we ask that in line with CAN’s previous statements, that the actions of Rev Samson and Akanji be immediately condemned publicly and the blanket support of COZA and Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo be withdrawn until the investigations by the police and the PFN have been concluded.

The church should be a safe place of reformation and healing not an enabling environment for destruction and desecration. The church can NOT support the abuse of its members as our God is a just God. We pray that this process makes the church stronger as we work through this in love as our God is also love.

 

May the broken find comfort and healing.

God bless us all!

 

Yours in the Lord,
Olumide Makanjuola
#NotInMyChurch

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In A Historic Move, Pentecostal Fellowship Of Nigeria Starts Investigation Into Rape Allegations Against COZA Pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo

Following rape allegations brought against Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) minister, Biodun Fatoyinbo, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has made a decision to investigate all claims against the pastor. This is the first time in the history of the body that this has been done.

In a letter sent to Timi Dakolo last week, the Christian umbrella body communicated that it has constituted a committee to look into circumstances surrounding the serious allegations made against the pastor by photographer and mother of three, Busola Dakolo.

The committee which has Rev. Wilson Badejo as Chairman, with Bishop Vincent Iyawe and Rev. Collins Ilechukwu as members, is tasked with the responsibility to establish the veracity of the claims and recommend appropriate sanctions where necessary.

In light of this, advocacy group, Not In My Church, which has helped to share the viral stories of survivors and kickstart a national conversation, encourages all those who have suffered the same fate by the COZA minister to speak up and share their stories while offering them access to professional counselling.

It is expected that beyond this committee, PFN and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) will have a publicly accessible Code of Conduct and a standing committee to review issues of abuse of power that lead to sexual abuse and other types of abuse in the church. The movement is convinced that the church’s commitment towards accountability must extend beyond rhetoric and incorporate processes that emphasize the idea that no one in the church is above reproach, and provides opportunities for anyone, no matter their status, to have their voices heard.

Not In My Church demands include the following:

  1. The accused steps down from the pulpit for 6 months – 5 years, depending on the gravity of the offence, during which he cannot preach on any other pulpit, or until a conclusion of a legal process.
  2. The accused and their spouse take a leave of absence from the Board of Trustees of the church for as long as they are off the pulpit.
  3. The accused apologizes publicly – specifically to those whose allegations are in the public domain and generally to others that have been sexually abused or otherwise by virtue of their position as a pastor.
  4. The accused enrolls in a sexual abuse programme at a globally reputed centre.
  5. Sufficient monetary compensation for psychological, medical, legal and economic losses accrued to survivors.

Victims of rape, especially in religious organizations, can reach out to the movement for help and support through Not in my church’s website, www.notinmychurch.ng.

#NotInMyChurch