In this interview with Biodun Busari, the secretary of the Elders? Council for the Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs, Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, discusses what she describes as ?heretic and fallacious? teachings by Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Power City International Ministry

How has your experience in the university system been as a linguist and communication scholar?

Reflecting on my four-decade journey as a linguist and communication scholar in the university system is truly an honour. My experience has been deeply enriching, with numerous milestones and valuable lessons learnt.

My early years, spanning the 80s and 90s, were marked by passion and idealism. As a young lecturer, I was driven to inspire students and contribute to the growth of linguistics and communication studies in Nigeria.

My growth and expansion phase took place during the year 2000 to 2010. As my career advanced, I took on various roles, such as departmental chair, faculty dean, and director of the GNS centre.

These positions allowed me to shape curriculum development, mentor junior colleagues, and foster interdisciplinary collaborations. My research focus in linguistics, language, and communication has led to numerous publications, conference presentations, and awards.

Teaching has been a highlight of my career; I have supervised countless undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom have become accomplished professionals. Witnessing their growth and contributing to their intellectual development has been incredibly rewarding. In conclusion, my four-decade journey in the university system has been a fulfilling experience, and I look forward to continuing my engagement until retirement at 70, by God?s grace.

An open letter from the NSCEA to Pastor Damina cautioned him against alleged heretical teachings. It was signed by you as the secretary, yet he claimed not to be aware such an organisation exists. What is the objective of this body?

Pastor Damina might not be aware, as one rarely sees the foundation of a house?one typically only sees the building itself. Nonetheless, he could easily look us up, as our work is well-documented.

The NSCEA operates like angels on assignment. We deliberate in meetings, submit Christian proposals for constitutional review, and have advocated the establishment of ecclesiastical courts in Nigeria. We opposed initiatives like RUGA and the Companies and Allied Matters Act, and we also mediate on internal conflicts within churches and among ministers. NSCEA serves as an ?engine room? for the Christian Association of Nigeria, performing specialised and official duties. Established as a supreme council, NSCEA is well-registered in Nigeria and works closely with CAN to defend the Christian faith, foster unity, cooperation, and promote spiritual growth among Christian denominations and ecclesiastical bodies.

The NSCEA represents Christian interests in Nigeria, similar to the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs representing Muslim interests. Its roles include high-level decision-making, strategic planning, oversight, collaborative leadership, conflict resolution, and societal influence. The council is led by Christian bishops, professors, doctors, and other professionals. I am honoured to serve as Secretary of the Elders? Council, supporting the work of Nigerian Christian elders and leaders. The NSCEA is also affiliated with the African Association for Ecclesiastical Affairs and the International Association for Ecclesiastical Affairs, strengthening its influence both nationally and internationally.

Can you highlight some of the ?heretical? teachings and ?fallacies? that the letter warned Pastor Damina of?

Yes, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs cautioned Pastor Damina against certain teaching styles and phrases he uses while preaching, which they consider misleading.

The council noted that many of his sermon titles rely heavily on sensationalised phrases and generalisations, often lacking in sound biblical support. These titles, according to the council, create misconceptions and are seen as promoting fallacious ideas.

NSCEA expressed particular concern about his use of body language and rhetorical style, which they feel are not fitting for religious messages and lack the reverence expected in Christian communication.

The letter warned that several of his teachings deviate from orthodox Christian doctrine. For instance, Pastor Damina has preached that there is no heaven, that one does not need God to succeed, that Holy Communion is unnecessary, and that tithing is not required. The council argued that these teachings contradict the Bible-established Christian doctrines and undermine fundamental Christian beliefs.

As leaders in the Nigerian Christian community, the NSCEA voiced strong opposition, deeming such messages heretical and not representative of the faith.

The NSCEA also criticised Pastor Damina?s perceived disrespect towards senior Christian leaders, which they found unacceptable. They used this letter as an opportunity to discourage hate speech and cyber harassment within Christian discourse, urging both him and other ministers to promote respectful communication. Furthermore, they highlighted that Christianity is a peaceful religion and called for civility and focus on the Gospel rather than divisive rhetoric.

The council?s statement serves as both a warning and a reminder of their commitment to upholding traditional Christian values in Nigeria.

Pastor Damina claimed that most of the accusations were not true. What will you say about this?

Then he should go back, re-listen to himself, recount the statements, and adjust both his style and body language with apologies, while walking in love. He should show respect to the elders and initiate a dialogue with CAN.

As we stated, we urged him to publicly retract and correct these teachings, engage in theological dialogue with reputable scholars to deepen his understanding, align his ministry with orthodox, evangelical, and Pentecostal teachings, or withdraw completely. Additionally, he should realise that it is wise to acknowledge that one does not know everything.

At NSCEA, we remain committed to upholding the truth and unity of the Body of Christ in Nigeria. His letter was also copied to CAN.

The cleric also said that he is willing to have members of the NSCEA attend his foundational discipleship class for free. What is your response?

What foundational class? This highlights the overstatement and un-Christlike style we are trying to address, considering the impressionable nature of his followers.

Such a statement is both rude and unacceptable. I, as secretary, earned a Master?s in English in 1987 and have lectured at the university level for over 40 years, let alone the elders.

Our council includes respected elders such as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Full Gospel Business Men?s International, Professor Olusola Ajolore, Dr Sarah Jibril, Professor Ezekiel Nyenwegwe Alubi, Elder Nimi B.J. Fyneface, and Bishop Michael Amamieye, among others.

The council comprises octogenarians and nonagenarians, seasoned professionals, and respected wisdom keepers with unparalleled experience and a spirit of excellence. Pastor Damina needs to reassess his approach.

The council stated In the letter that Pastor Damina should retract his ?heretic? teachings. Was this advice or warning?

However he perceives it, that?s his choice. To us, it stands as a warning of great concern, a letter of disclaimer, and an excommunication. The council?s motivations include protecting doctrine, preserving unity among member churches, and preventing harm to congregants; Pastor Damina would need to retract some of his teachings to avoid conflicts with the broader Christian community.

He claimed that the Council was maligning him. What was the aim of the open letter in the first instance?

How would such an esteemed Council malign an individual? We have consistently shown respect, time, and given space to ministers. However, his statements have been far too strong, divisive, and aggressive, with so much already circulated publicly that dialogue has become difficult. His teachings are currently trending among unbelievers and youths, leaving many confused. The purpose of the open letter was to provide an immediate remedy, act as a deterrent, manage the present, and safeguard the future for unborn generations, demonstrating that the Christian community has responded after observing him in silence for so long. The letter aims to protect doctrine, orthodoxy and to preserve unity, love, and respect among member churches while preventing potential harm to congregants

Pastor Damina must retract and reframe his teachings with love and respect to prevent sowing seeds of discord within the body of Christ.

The Issue of tithes has always been a debate recently in Christendom. What is your take on this?

The debate on tithing has indeed sparked intense discussion within Christendom. From a balanced perspective, grounded in the scriptures, tithing, derived from the Hebrew word ma?aser (meaning a tenth), refers to giving 10 per cent of one?s income to support Levites, priests, and the poor.

In the Old Testament, tithing was mandatory for the support of religious leaders and the needy. However, in the New Testament, while Jesus acknowledges the principle of tithing, he places greater emphasis on inner purity and justice.

The early church shifted towards voluntary giving rather than mandatory tithing, with Paul advocating generosity rather than specific percentages. In conclusion, tithing, when practised voluntarily and proportionally, can be a meaningful act of worship and stewardship. It should not be enforced as law or become a burden to believers. Churches would do well to prioritise teaching biblical principles of generosity, compassion, and financial responsibility. I pray that this balanced perspective inspires thoughtful reflection and biblical practice across the Body of Christ.

What is your advice to young Christians about the different teachings emanating from various ministers?

Young Christians should navigate diverse teachings and be discerning, not divisive. Ground yourself in the Bible, understanding its context and teachings.

Seek guidance from trusted spiritual mentors, pastors, or theologians. Evaluate teachings by comparing them with scriptures, considering context, consistency, and biblical accuracy.

Avoid extremes; be cautious of teachings that overemphasise prosperity over piety, focus on self rather than service, or promote exclusivity. Cultivate critical thinking; don?t blindly follow but question and seek clarification.

Prioritise unity, recognising diversity in non-essential areas, while uniting on core Christian doctrines. Pray for wisdom, seeking God?s guidance as you navigate teachings. God is not the author of confusion, and ministers should avoid contention. Let there be love, peace, and respect for elders as we move toward maturity in faith, curbing excesses where needed.

You were the presidential candidate of the Mass Action Joint Alliance in the 2019 general election. Why did you go into politics?

What drove me into politics was my desire to offer selfless and exemplary leadership to Nigerians. I aimed to bring about the real change that Nigerians yearned for as the first Nigerian female president. As the flag bearer and presidential candidate of the Mass Action Joint Alliance party, I was determined to provide fresh and alternative leadership through a unity government. With my background as a university professor, I wanted to bring unique skills and expertise to the table and address the needs of Nigerian youth, in particular. It?s worth noting that I even received the endorsement of the National Association of Nigerian Students. (Saturday PUNCH)

?Secretary of the Elders? Council for the Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs, Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies

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