CAMA 2020: Christian Leaders Must Unite, Shun Extravagant Lifestyle – Cleric
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Christian Leaders in the country have been challenged to constantly indulge in self appraisal and shun extravagant lifestyle that runs contrary to the humble nature and teachings of Jesus Christ.
A leading Pentecostal Cleric in Cross River, Pastor David Godspower, who threw the challenge in Calabar recently, said extravagant lifestyle and obvious haughtiness by some Christian leaders has largely contributed to the delaying morals and other ills clearly visible in society today.
Speaking during a media chat, the clergyman said ostentatious living, avarice and offensive display of wealth by some are sending wrong signals about the church to members of the public
Pastor Godspower said one may not rule out the fact these and other disturbing issues may have compelled government to look at churches more as thriving centres of commerce and enterprises where revenue generation has gradually taken the centre stage at the expense of winning souls for Christ through evangelism.
According to him, a lot of factors may have prompted and informed the federal government’s decision to sign into law the Companies and Allied Matters Amendment Act CAMA 2020 for implementation.
Pastor Godspower who shepherds the Great Peace Divine Gospel Ministry International with headquarters in Calabar, queried the rationale behind Church leaders acquiring and owning up to three private jets as well as many choice property for their private use at the expense of their malnourished followers.
He described as grossly irresponsible such arrogant display of wealth and affluence in the midst of poverty, hinting that it may therefore not be out place having government focus attention on unearthing the sources of such stupendous wealth, through the provisions contained in contentious CAMA 2020.
The Clergyman however picked holes in the CAMA 2020 and predicted that the ‘obnoxious’ law, targeted at Churches in the country, would not see the light of the day.
He bemoaned the lack of a united front and voice among Christian leaders as exemplified by the current fight against CAMA 2020 and other government policies that are injurious to the effective growth of the Christian religion in Nigeria.
For him, there is an urgent need to strengthen existing structures that would promote unity within the Christian faith given that the chanting of discordant tunes by leaders as well as absence of a clear cut religious policy among churches have not help matters over the years.
He condemned the unnecessary contestation and pride among Christian leaders, maintaining that Jesus Christ must remain the focus and unifying factor among all Christians, irrespective of faith and domination.
