- Calls for Commitment to Faith Amid Erosion of Global Moral Values
- Warns Against Fashion Trends in Church, Reiterates Holiness Standards
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has expressed deep concern over the arrest of one of the church’s pastors abroad for allegedly using discriminatory language.
Speaking during the church’s monthly thanksgiving service held at RCCG’s Throne of Grace, Lagos, on Sunday, Adeboye revealed that the pastor was detained for addressing a gathering as “ladies and gentlemen”—a phrase deemed discriminatory in some cultures for failing to include all gender identities.
In his sermon, titled “My Father’s House”, Adeboye stated, “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?’”
Moral Decay in Society
Adeboye also shared a troubling account of a woman who referred to her dog as her husband. He recounted how, when asked about her spouse, the woman responded, “I took him to the vet before coming. He doesn’t talk,” revealing her “husband” was her pet dog.
The cleric warned about the increasing erosion of moral values worldwide, interpreting these developments 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 urged.
Cultural Influence and Church Standards
Adeboye, known for addressing national and church issues, also recently criticized the adoption of certain fashion trends among church members. Speaking during the RCCG’s 72nd annual convention in August, with the theme “Heaven”, he expressed dissatisfaction with men sporting braided hair and women wearing false eyelashes and heavy makeup, particularly among church workers.
“These styles will no longer be tolerated on RCCG altars,” Adeboye declared, emphasizing the importance of upholding holiness standards in the church.
The convention, which took place from August 5 to 11, 2024, at The Redemption City in Mowe, Ogun State, saw Adeboye reiterate the need for steadfast faith and a return to biblical principles amid the challenges of integrating alien cultures into the church’s global branches.
