Olusegun Ariyo
The Catholic Church has backed Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God for apologizing over his preaching on tithe, stressing that it does not preach money as the basis for heaven.
The Director of Social Communications for the Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, Rev Fr Anthony Godonu, said Adeboye’s apology was the right thing to do.
Pastor Adeboye had said it was a mistake to have said tithing was a prerequisite for heaven.
Recanting his remark, Adeboye said making heaven is through holiness and being at peace with all men.
Reacting, Godonu, said Adeboye’s earlier teaching was not in line with that of the Catholic Church.
In a statement he issued, Godonu said: “On the repentance of Pastor Enoch Adeboye over the statement he made three years ago that those who do not pay tithes will not go to heaven and recanting the statement, I think it is the right to do. That means he has found light and the truth. John 8:32 says that you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
“Pastor Adeboye has found the truth and the truth has liberated him. The Catholic Church doesn’t preach money as the basis for going to heaven, but doing the will of the father and following Jesus Christ.
“Carry your cross daily; accept everything that comes to you in thanksgiving and praise is what we preach in the Catholic Church. I am glad that a high ranking pastor in Nigeria has come out to say the truth at his age and at this time.
“What much does he need to say than the truth if truly he wants to get to heaven? I am congratulating him for knowing the truth and showing light to the public.”
