Celestial Church worldwide reacts to chained 9-year old boy saga

The leadership of the Celestial Church of Christ, Worldwide has released a statement condemning the act of one of their pastor's, Francis Taiwo, who chained his 9 year old son, Korede Taiwo, for weeks because of his stealing habit. Read the statement 

The attention of Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, Pastor and Spiritual Head and the Board of Trustees of the Celestial Church of Christ, has been drawn to media reports concerning the activities of one Prophet Francis Taiwo, Shepherd in Charge, Celestial Church of Christ ( C.C.C ), Key of Joy Parish, Ajiwo at Ajibawo in Ado Odo/Ota local government area of Ogun State.

Prophet Francis Taiwo was reported to have chained his nine year old son and starved him of food for months, after the boy was accused of habitual stealing. The nine year old boy was eventually rescued by men of the NSCDC who stormed the church premises for that purpose. Latest reports indicate that the culprit, Prophet Francis Taiwo was later arrested by the police with the help of his church members.

This report has drawn the ire of the public and our great church has been receiving undeserved flaks therefrom. We are therefore compelled to issue this statement to correct whatever misconceptions that might have been created about the church, in the minds of the general public, by this shameful and totally unacceptable incident.

Let it be known that the Celestial Church of Christ does not condone child abuse and violence of any form. We recognise and place a high value on our youths and children as we do acknowledge them as the salt of the earth and a vital part of the future of any given stratum of society, organisation, church or nation.

Our belief is that children therefore must be raised in an atmosphere of love, Christian values and reasonable and acceptable parental discipline. The fact that the said Prophet Francis Taiwo was arrested by the Police with the help of his church members lends credence to the fact that our church abhors child abuse, domestic violence and inhumanity of any form.

We commend the NSCDC and the Nigerian Police for a job promptly well done, and wish to assure the general public that the Celestial Church of Christ is already taking a further look into the matter.

The Celestial Church of Christ avails itself of this opportunity to thank the general public for its concerns. May the good Lord be with you all, Amen.

Signed:
Superior Evangelist (Prof) Bola A. Akinterinwa, fssan
Secretary, BOT, CCC Worldwide