(Image Source: The Christian Broadcasting Network)
By Otomewo Oritsejolomi Joshua
Recently, the Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG), established the Directorate for Politics and Governance in
preparation for the 2023 general elections. It is aimed at coordinating the affairs and activities of all members seeking elected office in the forthcoming elections.
This move has raised questions on whether Christians should be actively involved in politics and the age-old issue of separation of church and state.
Ask a Nigerian Christian today about participating in politics and the answer would most likely be “politicians are corrupt” or some other contemptuous remark explaining their reason for the apathy.
Christianity and its message has implications for all aspects of our lives including the political space. And if Christians don’t get into the ring to fight the forces of corruption, would it ever stop?
Another reason Christians give for not being active political players is the nature of the country. Nigeria with its many cultural and religious differences is fertile ground for armed religious conflict.
But the goal of Christian participation is not domination of the other religions or to turn the state into a theocracy (a system of government based on a particular religion). It is to ensure the moral principles of the Bible come into play when making government policies and decisions.
Christians should participate more in politics because of the many societal benefits it provides. William Wilberforce led the movement to end slavery and Martin Luther, a pastor led the civil rights movement against racism. In Nigeria, Mary Slessor put an end to the killing of twins in Calabar.
This new Directorate by RCCG has been described by many as a welcome development and received the full backing of the Pentecostal Fellowship Of Nigeria (PFN).
Pastor Samson Adeolu, a pastor of an RCCG parish in Ketu said: “We see in several places in the Bible where many great men of God were active in politics from Joseph to Daniel. These were men who influenced their nations politically for God, and it is high time we start doing that in Nigeria, for the fortunes of the country to change. This Directorate is long overdue. Also, if the church does not actively engage in politics that means we are indirectly endorsing the status quo.”
However, some see it as means to propagate the presidential ambitions of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, a prominent pastor in the church.
Meanwhile, Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine, who is also a member of RCCG, has warned leaders of the church on combining religion with politics.
Whether as a tool to spread the gospel or as an avenue to help specific candidates win elections, we can agree that the new Directorate will increase political participation in Nigeria.
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Good one. High time God took control of this country.
Not just RCCG but Winners, MFM, Christ Embassy, Four Square. All of them should key into this
We need more Christians to take up political offices
Will it make any decisions 🤔
Let’s maintain the same energy when Muslims say they want to organize for their candidates sha