Disagreements must not be greater than our common identity, Oshoffa seeks unity as Celestial Church clocks 79

Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ, Rev. Emmanuel Oshoffa, has charged faithful to preserve the unity, peace and spiritual identity of the church.

Oshoffa, in an address to mark the 79th anniversary of the church today, noted that the strength of the church does not lie merely in the numbers or the geographical spread of  parishes but in  relationship with God and  willingness to walk together in love and obedience.

“We must therefore resist anything that seeks to divide us. Personal differences, misunderstandings and disagreements must never become greater than our common identity as children of God and members of one spiritual family.

Where there is disagreement, let there be dialogue. Where there is hurt, let there be forgiveness. Where there is misunderstanding, let there be patience. And where there is weakness, let there be prayer.Above all, let Christ remain at the centre of our lives and of His Church,” he added.

 The CCC leader  urged Celestial Church members to look to the future with faith, wisdom and renewed commitment, adding that the  next chapter of the church’s  history must be written not only through buildings and institutions, but through transformed lives, stronger families, spiritually vibrant parishes, responsible leadership and a younger generation that understands and cherishes the heritage entrusted to it.

On the significance of the celebration and expectations from Celestial Church faithful, he said: “Let this anniversary, therefore, mark a renewed beginning.Let our prayer be for greater spiritual depth, greater unity, greater holiness, greater love and greater service. Let us seek a Church whose influence is measured not simply by its numbers, but by the lives it transforms and the good it contributes to society.”

He, however, expressed the need for  the younger members of the church to be encouraged, guided and given opportunities to serve, stating that “youths are not merely the church of tomorrow; they are an essential part of the church of today.”