Cleric Faults Teachings Discouraging Lent in C&S Church

A cleric of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Very Rev’d David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi, popularly known as Aremolekun, has faulted teachings discouraging the observance of Lent within the church, insisting that the spiritual exercise is both biblically and historically grounded.

Akinadewo-Adekahunsi, who is the Resident Minister of Motailatu Church of God, Oke-Idahun Parish, Akure, stated this while delivering sermons over two consecutive Sundays on the theme, “The C&S Is a Spiritually Conservative Church: Avoid Wrong Teachings.”

According to him, the annual Lenten season is not a religious invention but a structured spiritual discipline consistent with scriptural traditions of fasting, repentance and spiritual renewal.

The cleric explained that the practice aligns with biblical teachings and should not be dismissed by members influenced by what he described as misleading doctrines.

Citing Matthew 5:18, he recalled the declaration of Jesus Christ that He did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfil them, stressing that Christianity is built on continuity with God’s earlier instructions rather than a rejection of them.

He maintained that Christ’s teachings do not invalidate spiritual practices that are consistent with Scripture.

Akinadewo-Adekahunsi also rejected the notion that fasting must only be done privately, noting that the Bible provides several examples of collective or congregational fasting approved by God.

He cited instances such as the solemn assembly proclaimed in Joel 2:15–16, the national fast declared by King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:3, and the citywide fast in Nineveh recorded in Jonah 3:5–7.

Other examples, he said, include the fast proclaimed by Ezra in Ezra 8:21 and the collective fast ordered by Esther in Esther 4:16.

“These examples clearly show that congregational fasting is not alien to Scripture,” he said, adding that Christ’s warning in Matthew 6 about fasting was directed at hypocrisy rather than the legitimacy of public observance.

The cleric further highlighted the significance of the number 40 in biblical history, describing it as symbolic of testing, consecration and spiritual preparation.

He noted that the flood during Noah’s time lasted 40 days, the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness, while Moses and Elijah both fasted for 40 days.

He also pointed out that Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days before beginning His earthly ministry and remained with His disciples for 40 days after His resurrection.

According to him, the Church’s 40-day Lenten observance reflects this biblical pattern of preparation and renewal rather than an attempt to imitate Christ superficially.

Akinadewo-Adekahunsi also traced the roots of the Lenten practice within the Cherubim and Seraphim Church to its founder, Moses Orimolade Tunolase.

He explained that Orimolade was raised within the Church Missionary Society tradition of the Anglican Communion and had functioned as an itinerant preacher within Anglican structures before the emergence of the C&S movement.

The cleric said that some structured spiritual disciplines were retained in the C&S Church because they were consistent with Scripture and promoted holiness, repentance and unity among believers.

Describing the C&S Church as a spiritually conservative movement guided by divine instruction, he cautioned against what he termed doctrinal destabilisation by some new-generation preachers who oppose established church practices.

He emphasised that every religious institution operates according to defined doctrines and warned that internal disagreements should not lead to public criticism capable of confusing members.

While affirming that fasting must be sincere and led by the Holy Spirit, the cleric said structured observances help maintain spiritual discipline and prevent complacency among believers.

He urged members of the church to focus on holiness, unity and evangelism rather than internal controversies.

“The Church must remain anchored in sound doctrine and guard the heritage handed down by our fathers,” he said, calling on Christians to observe the Lenten season with humility, repentance and renewed commitment to righteous living.