The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said the
Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) church is not a member of its CAN
family following the rape allegation levelled against its Senior Pastor,
Biodun Fatoyinbo.
In press statement signed by National Legal
and Public Affairs, CAN, Evang Barr Kwamkur, Samuel Vondip, the body
condemned the act and admonished pastors in the country to distance
themselves from rape and any act of infidelity.
“CAN is deeply
concerned about the ongoing rape allegation saga arising from a
confessional statement by a former female member of the Commonwealth of
Zion Assembly (COZA), Mrs. Bisola Dakolo, against Pastor Biodun
Fatoyinbo, the senior pastor of COZA.
“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; it 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.”
CAN frowned at immoral relationships in the society and said the acts are against the teachings of the Bible and the church.
“We
urge all ministers of the gospel to shun all appearances of evil
especially, unregulated closeness to persons in the church. Rape by
every standard is sinful and an act of wickedness.
“We do not
know for sure whether or not some or all of the allegations of rape and
illicit relationship leveled against members of the clergy are true; we
strongly appeal to all Christians to avoid blackmail against any brother
or sister in the church for whatever reason. All of us must avoid
making ourselves vulnerable.
“The association understands the
challenges of preachers who, by virtue of their position as parents of
all in the church, may stand the danger of being accused. All
Christians, leaders most especially, must be circumspect in the way they
walk, not as unwise but as wise.”
CAN called on the security
agents and the judiciary to redouble their efforts in prosecuting the
various cases of rape and other heinous crimes that are presently
bedeviling our society without fear or prejudice.
“CAN recognises
that this must be a very trying time for the ladies who leveled
allegations against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo and on the other ministers
whose stories are trending presently.
“We pray for them that to
the extent to which they are true and sincere, God would strengthen and
comfort them in their fight for justice. The association equally
recognises that this is a very hard time for the Christian church in
Nigeria, especially for worshipers in COZA and all other churches whose
pastors are accused.”