Unity is essential for churches to overcome challenges facing them in the 21st century, the Prelate of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Dr Israel Akinadewo, has stated.
He spoke last week as guest speaker at a one-day symposium titled the church and the challenges of the 21st century at the National Headquarters of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Makoko, Lagos.
The symposium was part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the church.
Akinadewo identified challenges facing churches to include persecution, inter-religious conflict, funding, leadership struggles, heretical beliefs and involvement in secular politics.
Others, according to him, include state policies, tribalism and nepotism, denominational differences and materialism.
He however said all of these challenges are surmountable if churches they come together to pool knowledge, resources and manpower together.
The Secretary of Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) Lagos Chapter said churches can stick together would overcome whether challenges are thrown their way.
According to him: “One thing the church must understand is the solutions to these cannot come externally; it must come from within.
“Therefore, the more united the church is, the more divided, the enemies of the church, would be.”
He added: “To strengthen the church against external attack, the church must maximise benefits associated with its denominational diversities for its own greater advantage.
“Before the end of this century, the threat to the church will be more from within, and not necessarily from other religious bodies as many have expressed.
“This is due to our divided activities and holier-than-thou way of life. Our inability to internally correct ourselves but destroying ourselves on the pages of newspapers and social media is also a major weapon that will be used against the church at large in the nearest future.”
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