Most of those who are giving the Cherubim and Seraphim Agbo Jesu Conference a bad image are not real members, but only using the name of the fold as a cover to perform their atrocities.
These were the words of the Chairman C&S Agbo Jesu USA/Canada Sub-Conference, Snr Supt. Apostle Francis Okhiria in a chat with Acts of Seraphs.
While describing them as outcasts, elder Okhiria said most of them are not registered and recognized by the Conference, adding that efforts are ongoing to sanitize the church.
“Most people who say they are Agbo Jesu are not. You do not see them in conference meetings. They do not attend major events. They just use the name as a cover to perform their atrocities. These are outcasts. They are not contributing in any positive means in terms of being registered and paying their dues to the conference.”
“The process of registering churches that are C&S Agbo Jesu is ongoing whereby certificate of membership is being issued to them. Also, churches that do not have their name enlisted in C&S Agbo Jesu would not be allowed to use the name. We are also working with our elders here to re-organise, refocus and sanitize the conference whereby we can put checks on those who are trying to stain the conference in terms of their mode of worship,” he said.
He, however, noted that the process of sanitizing the fold may take a long time considering the damage that has been done.
“The Baba Aladura and the Elders-in-Council are aware of the bad eggs in the conference and they are working on that. It may take a long time. It takes a quick time to destroy, it takes longer to rebuild. The damage has been done, so it is going to take time for C&S Agbo Jesu to rebuild and erase that bad image that has been given to the conference. It is a work in progress,” he added.
While speaking on the US/Canada Sub-Conference, elder Okhiria noted the body which was organised, established, and inaugurated by the late Baba Aladura Elijah Abodurin in 1996 has increased in numbers of churches that constitute it.
According to him, there exist about 12 churches in different locations across the continental USA and Canada. He also said that member churches have been able to use the Sub-Conference to promulgate the work of God and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Elder Okhiria further disclosed that the Sub-Conference which is currently holding her annual convention has also been able to demonstrate that the C&S Agbo Jesu is not what people usually conceive or think it is, whereby its members are perceived as illiterates.
He said: “Those of us in the Sub-C
onference are true believers of the gospel of Christ. We believe in one Lord, one faith, one baptism. We are not idol worshippers in any form. And I can proudly say that we belong to the elite group. We are not downtrodden and we will not fold our arms to allow anyone to talk down on us.”
Speaking on what tops the agenda of the ongoing three-day convention which started on Friday, Elder Okhiria said the Sub-Conference would re-emphasize the need to change with time, as change is inevitable. He said the meeting would also focus on the doctrines, time management, financial management of the Church, as well as modification of practices to retain the youths who are exiting the fold.
Asked to share his view concerning the controversy surrounding the Ark of the Covenant, Elder Okhiria said the issue is overblown, and also a targeted attack against C&S Agbo Jesu Conference. While admitting that some members may have gone astray in their mode of worship, he said that is not a good reason to just label the fold as idol worshippers.
His words: “Of course, C&S Agbo Jesu Conference have the Ark of Covenant and it came through our spiritual father of blessed memory, Baba Aladura Alfred Ajayi Akintobi Arobijika 1; and we have accepted it, as in Colossians 2vs6. That forms the basis of the doctrines that we have and that doesn’t mean that we are idol worshippers.”
“C&S Agbo Jesu Conference is not the only denomination in the C&S that has the Ark of Covenant. I believe what is going on now is a targeted attack on C&S Agbo Jesu. And as I said that is not going to sway us. Everyone should work towards their salvation; whether you have The Ark of Covenant or not, that does not have relevance with salvation. Having absolute faith in Christ is the crux of Christianity. I won’t condemn any denomination, not even any religion because everyone has their conviction. I think it is cacophony for anyone to be castigating C&S Agbo Jesu Conference for the Ark of Covenant. Everyone should work for their salvation. There are other things we need to correct in C&S as a whole and not just the Ark of Covenant.”
Seraph Dayo Oyewo. A Journalist/Social Entrepreneur. He loves meeting new people. Favourite Hymn: Ji Okan mi dide layo
