The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has been appointed as the Patron of the Ecumenical Synod of Bishops, Archbishops, and Senior Clergy Inc. (ESBAASC).
The announcement was made during the group’s international conference held from August 22–25 at Emmanuel Park, RCCG Redemption Camp, as reported by Church Times.
The conference, themed “Religious Tolerance in Nigeria and Across the Nations of the World,” focused on the concept of religious tolerance, its challenges, and strategies for achieving it.
ESBAASC, a collaborative group of Christian leaders, aims to foster unity and dialogue among different Christian denominations and to promote religious tolerance and cooperation.
During the event, Archbishop Prof. Kehinde Olubunmi, the International Prelate and Chief Host, nominated Pastor Adeboye as Patron and Archbishop Prof. Mary Ajisafe, Overseer of Peace of God Ministry in Lagos, as Matron of ESBAASC.
The nominations were met with a standing ovation.
Olubunmi emphasised the group’s ongoing efforts in collaboration with global organisations to advance religious tolerance in Nigeria, with hopes of extending this culture across Africa.
Pastor Adeboye, represented by RCCG National Overseer Emeritus, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, reflected on Nigeria’s past and its present state.
He reminisced about his youth, when he observed Ramadan, shared meals with Muslims, and lived harmoniously with followers of various religions.
Adeboye defined religious tolerance as a practice that fosters mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence, and unity among diverse cultures.
He attributed many instances of religious and sectarian violence to political motivations, often manipulated for the advantage of politicians during times of economic and social disadvantage.
He urged attendees to advocate for religious tolerance, stressing that true believers should prioritise love and the preservation of life over violence and division.
