An urgent and unprecedented development has unfolded at CCC Central Choir Parish, located in Oremeji, Yafo, Ogun State. The children of the founding shepherd, A/V/S/E Adetiran have taken the extraordinary step of advertising the church for sale.
The decision has left the parish in a state of shock and confusion. The parish which stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of the former director of CCC Central Choir, AVSE Adetiran has temporarily suspended its services. However, the reasons behind this unexpected turn of events remain shrouded in mystery, as the family has yet to provide a clear explanation for their decision to part way with the sacred house of God.
As news of the sale reverberates throughout the congregation, opinions are divided. While some members vehemently condemn the actions of Baba Adetiran’s children, others members attempt to rationalize their choice by pointing to the hardships often faced by landlord shepherd following the passing of their fathers.
The Parish Founder Rev SBJ Oshoffa specifically mandated in 177 & 178 of the Church Constitution that “All Church property at a parish such as land, money, and musical instruments and other materials and things used for glorifying God, belong not to any individual or group of persons, nor are they things which a group of people can share among themselves or their family. In this connection, it is hereby emphasised that all properties of the Church should be registered and retained in the name of the Celestial Church of Christ; Property acquired for specific Church use must be reserved only for that purpose. Any parish which for one reason or the other is closed down must send all its property to Headquarters to further the work of God. Anybody or parish which flouts this regulations and proceeds to share Church property as forbidden is liable to prosecution by the Law”.
The burning question among members is whether the Church authority has the power to prevent the A/V/S/E Adetiran family from selling the Parish, along with the property within its premises. It is an undeniable fact that the number of landlord shepherds has surpassed the number of community parishes in Celestial Church of Christ. This is primarily due to the Church authority’s lack of investment in building new Parishes, while the production of shepherds continues to rise as more members receive the calling to become clergy.
To address this issue, it would be prudent for the Church authority to issue a Pastoral order to each state, mandating the construction of two parishes within their jurisdiction every calendar year. The Headquarters should provide 80% of the necessary capital funds, with the state contributing the remaining 20% to support this proposed project.
By implementing this strategic plan, the Church authority can ensure the growth and expansion of Celestial Church of Christ. This initiative will not only address the current disparity between shepherds and parishes but also foster a stronger sense of commitment and spiritual development among members.
It is crucial for the Church authority to recognize the importance of investing in the establishment of new parishes. This will not only provide a place of worship for the growing number of shepherds but also serve as a hub for spiritual guidance and support for the entire congregation.
