The leadership of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide has criticised the Financial Regulatory Council code which stipulates age limits and terms for leaders of religious bodies and not-for-profit organisations, The Punch reports.
According to the church, government has no business regulating the tenure of church leaders.
The code, which has since been suspended by the Federal Government, has been a subject of controversy among religious and political leaders.
But, speaking on Saturday during the dedication of a 5,000-capacity cathedral for the Divine Blessing Assembly, Lagos, the Chairman and the Supreme Head of the church, Most Rev. Samuel Abidoye, said government should focus on ridding the country of corruption.
Abidoye, who also challenged the media to be factual in its reporting, urged leaders to rule with integrity and honesty.
He said, “What is the concern of the government with the tenure of church leaders? Why should the government ask pastors to retire at 75 years? Nigeria belongs to all of us. Let us concentrate on making Nigeria great. We are first Nigerians. Government ought to busy itself with recovering stolen money from politicians. The Bible says we should build our treasures where it cannot be eaten by moths.’’
In his address, the Leader-in-Charge, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Divine Blessing Cathedral, Lagos, Special Apostle Adegboyega Oyeku, said the ultra-modern cathedral with a 750-capacity basement church for the youth, among other facilities, had opened a new chapter in the life of the church.
“This is the time to show more commitment and win more souls into the ship of salvation. Our behaviour and attitude should be guarded by the scripture,” he said.
Also, the Chairman, Building and Infrastructure Committee of the church, Special Apostle Aderemi Awode, said the cathedral was completed in 10 months.
