Adeboye Reveals Pastor Held Overseas for Referring to Congregation as ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has revealed that one of the church’s pastors was arrested and detained overseas for addressing attendees at a program with the phrase “Ladies and gentlemen.” The greeting was deemed discriminatory in the country’s culture as it failed to recognize all gender identities acknowledged in that society.
Speaking during the RCCG’s monthly thanksgiving service at the Throne of Grace in Lagos on Sunday, Pastor Adeboye shared his concerns about the incident during a sermon titled My Father’s House, which was broadcast across all RCCG parishes. Although he refrained from revealing the detained pastor’s identity or the specific country involved, he issued a sobering warning: “The end is nearer than you think.” He lamented the rapid moral decline in society, urging believers to remain vigilant.
The pastor’s arrest reportedly followed a complaint from attendees questioning the phrase, asking, “What about those who are neither ladies nor gentlemen?” Pastor Adeboye also shared another troubling story about a woman who referred to her dog as her husband. When asked about her spouse, the woman claimed she had taken him to the vet earlier, describing the dog as her silent “husband.”
Reflecting on these incidents, Pastor Adeboye expressed concern over the erosion of moral values worldwide, interpreting these developments as signs of the end times. “Those of you already in Christ, take this matter seriously. Do not let anyone weaken your stance. God is holy,” he urged. To those who are not fully committed to their faith, he warned, “Jesus is coming back. The devil wants to harvest you, but you must not let him. I want to see you in my Father’s house.”
Known for addressing both national and church-related issues, Pastor Adeboye also criticized modern fashion trends during his sermon. He expressed disapproval of men wearing braided hair and women using false eyelashes and heavy makeup. Earlier this year, during the church’s 72nd annual convention themed Heaven, he declared such styles unacceptable for RCCG altar workers. The convention, held from August 5 to 11, 2024, at Redemption City in Mowe, Ogun State, underscored his commitment to upholding traditional values within the church.
