General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye has raised concerns over the arrest of one of the church’s pastors abroad.
Speaking during the church’s monthly thanksgiving service at RCCG’s Throne of Grace in Lagos, Adeboye disclosed that the pastor was detained after addressing an audience as “ladies and gentlemen,” a phrase deemed discriminatory by local cultural standards for not being inclusive of all gender identities.
“The end is nearer than you think. Things are getting worse, and this is a wake-up call,” Adeboye said during his sermon titled My Father’s House, which was broadcast to all RCCG parishes.
He explained, “One of my pastors abroad was arrested for simply addressing a gathering as ‘ladies and gentlemen.’ Some people reported him for discrimination, asking, ‘What about those who are neither ladies nor gentlemen?’”
Adeboye also shared another anecdote about a woman who described her dog as her husband.
The pastor viewed these incidents as signs of the end times and urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith.
“Those of you already in Christ, take this matter seriously. Do not let anyone weaken your stand. God is holy…The devil wants to harvest you, but you must not give him the opportunity. I want to see you in my Father’s house,” he preached.
Adeboye also addressed issues of personal grooming and style among church members, reiterating his disapproval of certain trends like braided hair for men and heavy makeup or false eyelashes for women, particularly among church workers.
Speaking during the church’s 72nd annual convention in August, themed ‘Heaven’, Adeboye criticised the rising adoption of such styles in church settings. He declared that these appearances would no longer be tolerated on RCCG altars, emphasising the importance of modesty and adherence to traditional values in worship.
The convention was held from August 5 to August 11, 2024, at The Redemption City, Mowe, Ogun State.