Rape Allegations: CAN disowns COZA Pastor
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has said that to the best of their knowledge, the Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA, Abiodun Fatoyinbo is not a member of the families that belong to CAN.
CAN which issued 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”, said the recurrent allegations of rape and infidelity against some gospel ministers and other Christians is worrisome.
The apex Christian association in the statement signed by its national director, legal and public affairs, Kwamkur Samuel Vondip, also added 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, 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.
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“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.
“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.
The statement by CAN which came after the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, expressed shock over the rape allegations leveled against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo.
This PFN, also noted that though Fatoyinbo is recognized as a Pentecostal pastor, he is not a registered member of the PFN.
The body also stated that it is in prayers for the embattled clergyman.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, signed by its President, Rev. Felix Omobude, the PFN warned that it would not shield Pentecostal pastors who take undue advantage of their church members.
