5th November, 2010
Homosexuality or sexual relationship between persons of the same sex, though condemned in the Bible, is gaining ground in many Nigerian churches with pastors involved in the ignominious act, a Lagos based bishop has disclosed.
Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission Church also known as Family Church located in Akowonjo, a suburb of Lagos, South West Nigeria, revealed that he has delivered some pastors out of the abominable act.
The bishop who teaches family intimacy on television said in an interview: “Gay relationship or marriage is completely evil. Everywhere in the bible, homosexuality is condemned. You see, there is this laissez-faire attitude, people are free and do what they want. This western culture has also affected the church. But gay marriage or relationship is evil and completely anti-Christ.
“Some found themselves in it. Some were initiated into it. For your information, we have helped many gays out of it, including pastors.â€
Ighele said that gays need help as they are grappling with forces beyond their control.
“I donâ€
The bishop has also set up a matchmaking agency to end late marriages among Christians in Nigeria. The agency is called Charles and Carol Matchmaking Agency. The bishopâ€
He said: “We have set up a matchmaking agency to solve the problem of late marriages. Itâ€
“We call it linking Abrahamâ€
“I believe in early marriages. There is a time for one to be born, nine months to carry a pregnancy. There is a time for everything that nature has arranged for certain things to be done at a certain time and when that thing is not done at a specific period, there is lack of confidence. Pressure begins to overtake you. I believe that there is an age when people must get married. I believe in early marriages.â€
Lagosians who spoke with our correspondent this morning said the matchmaking agency is not a bad idea.
“There is nothing wrong with a matchmaking agency. I even believe itâ€
She added: “The pastor should just expose the guys to the ladies. He should let them develop their relationship and choose marriage on their own,†she added.
“The agency should have some checks to prevent abuses by unserious minded individuals who may want to take advantage of the agency,†said Ifeanyi.
—Simon Ateba