The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied sending representatives to COZA to give their support to the church. Earlier this week, two pastors supposedly from CAN had gone to COZA’s Sunday service to offer their solidarity to Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo.
The Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN ) has dissociated itself from the visit which occurred on Sunday, July 14, 2019.
It was reported that some pastors visited COZA on Sunday, July 14, 2019 to pay solidarity visit to Pastor Fatoyimbo of COZA. pic.twitter.com/vIKvJG5s8J
— Alagba Gaabu (@Angelgabbyshara) July 17, 2019
The visiting pastors had said that they were joined in prayer with the church and its members. The president of CAN has, however, said that his attention has been drawn to the allegation that CAN sent officials to COZA to stand by the pastor on the rape allegation against him but denied that the association has anything to do with the two pastors who had gone to show support to Pastor Biodun.
The statement released by the national director of legal and public affairs, Kwamkur Samuel Vondip for the Christian Association of Nigeria read: “This message is to categorically inform the Christian leaders, the general public and all lovers of truth that CAN or the President of CAN did not approve and knows nothing about such a solidarity visit. Those who did so did it on their own. We stand by our earlier release on this issue that while we would never support any act of immorality from whatever quarter, we would not jump into passing judgement without investigation of the matter.”
Vondip also revealed that the president of CAN is in communication with the president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Dr Felix Omobude, giving him the right to investigate the allegations and revert to CAN. They promised that the result of their investigations will be shared in less than two weeks. CAN also implored all Christians in the country to note that this was its position.
Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo had been accused of rape by Busola Dakolo and another former member of COZA last month. The matter has atracted serious public scrutiny, causing him to temporarily step down as Senior Pastor of the church. A large number of the public have asked authorities to look into the allegations. There have been protests and the beginning of a ‘not in my church’ movement because of these allegations. This matter may not be dying down anytime soon.