In a candid interview, Olatosho Mathew Oshoffa, the 20th child of the late founder of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), sheds light on various aspects of the church’s history, controversies, and future prospects. Here’s a breakdown of the key points discussed:
Family Background and Controversies:
- Olatosho Oshoffa, popularly known as Tosho, identifies himself as the 10th son and 20th child of the CCC founder.
- He addresses controversies surrounding the founder’s family life, acknowledging that his father had 13 wives and 53 children. He emphasizes that despite the large family size, there is unity and love among the siblings, fostered by their father’s teachings.
Polygamy and Scriptural Perspective:
- Oshoffa defends his father’s polygamous lifestyle, stating that if judged by the number of wives, the founder would have been disqualified. However, he argues that the founder’s mission and the church’s longevity demonstrate divine approval.
- He challenges the notion that a bishop must have only one wife, citing historical and biblical examples of polygamous prophets without condemnation.
Unity and Leadership Issues:
- Oshoffa acknowledges internal leadership disputes within CCC but expresses optimism about eventual unity under a single leader.
- He highlights ongoing efforts by Pastor Emmanuel Oshoffa, his elder brother and spiritual head of CCC, to reconcile factions within the church.
Allegations of Occultism:
- Oshoffa vehemently denies accusations of occultism within CCC, citing the church’s public denouncement of such practices during services.
- He shares anecdotes to illustrate CCC’s commitment to spiritual purity and divine intervention, refuting claims of involvement in diabolical activities.
Challenges and Future Outlook:
- Oshoffa addresses criticisms of CCC, including allegations of fake prophecies, attributing them to misunderstanding and prejudice.
- He outlines the financial compensation system for CCC shepherds, emphasizing the church’s decentralized structure and revenue-sharing model.
Overall, Olatosho Mathew Oshoffa’s insights provide a glimpse into the complexities and resilience of the Celestial Church of Christ, showcasing its rich history, challenges, and aspirations for unity and spiritual authenticity.