Doctrinal Dialogue

Convergence taught by Pa Adegoke

LENTEN PROTOCOLS WITHIN THE UNIFICATION OF CHERUBIM & SERAPHIM CHURCHES (EUROPE CHAPTER)

As we endeavour to evolve through self-assessments just as all other denominations have continuously done, watchful and updating their doctrines in accordance with new knowledge and understanding rooted in biblical grounds, it was observed at the General Meeting of the Unification of C&S Churches (Europe Chapter) held on Saturday 14th January 2023 at Earlham Grove Headquarters that many congregations of the C & S churches do worship differently especially during the Lenten Season. Some choose to suspend, inter alia:

• Shouting the usual Halleluyahs, Hosanahs, and Iye; whilst substituting
• ‘Praise the Lord’
• Drumming and dancing
• Sitting on chairs/pews; and resort to sitting on the floor
• Wearing full regalia and colourful prayer gowns; for those who wear them
• Cheerful and exuberant worship, which is one of C & S hallmarks

It was explained that all these changes are more hypocritical than penitent. The Old Testament condemns these hypocrises according to Joel 2:13 ‘…rend your heart, and not your garment; and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness…’ The New Testament also condemns the hypocrisy. Jesus describes it as ‘whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness’ (Matt.23:27).

It was unanimously agreed that looking miserable in worship is against the culture of Cherubims & Seraphim above as ‘they rest not day and night saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.’ (Rev.4:8) Jesus himself taught in the Lord’s Prayer: ‘Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven’(Matt. 6:10). If, therefore, we profess to replicate on earth, what the Cherubims and Seraphims do in heaven, then we should begin forthwith to reverse some (if not all) the changes in our inherited earthly doctrines to conform to those in heaven.

It is suggested that these changes be announced and implemented in this year’s Lenten Season commencing on Wednesday, 22nd February as a starting point towards convergence and minimising our divergence. That is the spirit of UNIFICATION. If there is any problem or points of clarification, please feel free to contact me or any member of the Executive Committee. I wish you all a successful Lenten Season and a greater level of blessings thereafter.

John Adegoke

7 Feb 2023