By Olayinka Latona
THE 33-member unification committee set up in July 2010 to bring all the fashions of Celestial Church of Christ, CCC under one umbrella, have submitted its report with recommendations that would hopefully transform the church to become forward looking and give hope through which to draw nearer God.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos, chairman of the unification committee, Major General Ekundayo Opaleye (rtd), emphasized the need for prudent leadership with improved financial manage-ment to promote accounta-bility and transparency to address popular concerns.
The leadership tussle tear-ing the Celestial Church apart dated back to 1985 when the founder, Rev. S.B.J. Oshoffa over the remission of two third of all collections for the pastor, leaving only one third for the maintenance of the church. The crisis got to a head when some leaders had take the case to the Pre-sidency, seeking for a quick intervention, with a view to keeping the crisis-rocked spiritual church united.
Speaking at the media parley on Thursday, Opaleye said: “A proposal to improve financial management to promote accountability and transparency was advised to address popular concerns. A unique model of sound ecclesiastic administration and equitable remuneration that would .serve the pecu-liarities of the church has been proffered.
“Our considerations upheld the tenets and liturgy of the church; adequate provisions have been suggested to eradicate abuse of church liturgy; issue of welfare of all members of the church was given adequate attention and appropriate recommendations were made.”
Continuing, the former Ondo State military governor, said his committee was not unmindful of the importance of education and the equipping of all members of the church to ensure best practices in playing roles assigned, believing that human capital development is adequate panacea for growth, not forgetting social corporate responsibility, making greater social impact within the community.
He commended the elders of the church, to whom the recommendations have been made, for their avowed commitment to ensure the emergence of a united, virile and spirit filled Celestial Church of Christ during their lifetime by inaugurating a unification committee to unite all the fashions of the church.
According to him, this committee comprising men and women of proven integrity commenced work on August 12, 2010 at Celestial Church of Christ, Makoko, Lagos and there have been serious deliberations amongst members and robust consultation with many interested groups within the church.
He also appreciated those who submitted memoranda and con-tributions, adding that the mandate given to the committee has enabled it to make incisive scru-tiny of “the conflicting factors of disunity in our great church, thus strategies for removing contending issues were recommended to our elders for consideration.
“These strategies are still being studied by them for possible im-plementation in due cause. Let it be known that we are using this medium to appeal to all members that whatever be the outcome of this important exercise, which may affect some perceived privileges should be taken in good faith, for the overall good of the church.
“Our suggestions and recommendations forwarded to our elders for consideration are neither designed to marginalize the interest of any groups nor promote that of others, but to give the church “a forward looking to a better hope through which we draw near to God.”
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