Resulting from last week’s rape allegations against Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo by celebrity photographer, Busola Dakolo, who is the wife of popular musician, Timi Dakolo, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dissociated itself from the embattled pastor and denied his membership of any of the families belonging to CAN.
The association which disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday titled “The position of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on the widespread allegations of rape against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA)” described as worrisome the recurrent rape allegations and infidelity against some gospel ministers and other Christians.
CAN’s national director, legal and public affairs, Barr. Kwamkur Samuel Vondip, who signed the statement, stated that such acts are against the Christian faith.
“CAN is deeply concerned about the ongoing rape allegation saga arising from a confessional statement by a former female member of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Mrs. Bisola Dakolo, against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, the senior pastor of COZA.
“The association recognises that COZA, to the best of our knowledge, is not a member of any of the families that belong to CAN, as an association; it is equally sad that there have been recurrent allegations of rape and infidelity against some gospel ministers and other Christians as well.
“While efforts must be made to get to the root of the matter through thorough investigation, the association condemns totally, any act of infidelity either by a pastor or any member of the church of God.
“We urge all ministers of the gospel to shun all appearances of evil especially, unregulated closeness to persons in the church. Rape by every standard is sinful and an act of wickedness.
“We do not know for sure whether or not some or all of the allegations of rape and illicit relationship leveled against members of the clergy are true; we strongly appeal to all Christians to avoid blackmail against any brother or sister in the church for whatever reason. All of us must avoid making ourselves vulnerable.
“The association understands the challenges of preachers who, by virtue of their position as parents of all in the church, may stand the danger of being accused. All Christians, leaders most especially, must be circumspect in the way they walk, not as unwise but as wise.
“CAN recognises that this must be a very trying time for the ladies who leveled allegations against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo and on the other ministers whose stories are trending presently.
“The association equally recognises that this is a very hard time for the Christian church in Nigeria, especially for worshipers in COZA and all other churches whose pastors are accused,” the statement read.
CAN’s statement follows the recent expression of shock by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) over the rape allegations leveled against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, and also denied that the pastor is a registered member of PFN.
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