By Tony Iwuoma
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has washed its hands off embattled Senior Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, saying the church is not its member.
Pastor Fatoyinbo is currently facing a storm, following rape allegations against him by Mrs. Busola Dakolo.
However, in a press statement signed by its National Legal and Public Affairs official, Evang. Barr. Kwamkur, Samuel Vondip, the Christian body frowned at the development and advised men of God to shun rape and all forms of infidelity.
The statement read: “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. Busola 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.
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“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.
“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.”
The body charged security agents and the judiciary to prosecute the various cases of rape and other criminal acts in the 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.”
