Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, Director of Social Communications for the Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, stated that Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s retracted teaching was not aligned with Catholic doctrine, emphasizing the significance of the clergyman’s admission of error.
He remarked, “On the repentance of Pastor Enoch Adeboye regarding his statement three years ago that those who do not pay tithes will not go to heaven, I believe it is the right thing to do. This indicates he has found the light and the truth. John 8:32 says that you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Pastor Adeboye has found the truth, and that truth has liberated him.
The Catholic Church does not preach that money is the basis for entering heaven; rather, it emphasizes doing the will of the Father and following Jesus Christ. We encourage carrying one’s cross daily and accepting everything that comes with thanksgiving and praise.
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I am glad that a high-ranking pastor in Nigeria has come forward to speak the truth at his age and in this time. What more can he say than the truth if he genuinely seeks to reach heaven? I congratulate him for recognizing the truth and shedding light on the matter.”
Bishop Abraham Olaleye, former Vice Chairman of the PFN, also commented, stating, “Regardless of whether the apology is comprehensive or not, it is crucial to acknowledge that he apologized because what he previously said about tithing was erroneous.
Christians live in the gospel dispensation, which is a dispensation of grace. The conditions for salvation are clearly stated in John 3:16. Introducing a new perspective that contradicts biblical principles means we would have to rewrite the Bible.
Errors can occur if one’s understanding of the word of God is insufficient. However, Pastor Adeboye’s apology is a positive development, especially for someone who leads so many. Tithing is an Old Testament practice initiated by God when the Israelites became a nation.
Among the 12 tribes of Israel, the Levites were instructed not to engage in other businesses, focusing instead on spiritual matters. Consequently, when others brought their produce, the Levites had enough to sustain themselves and continue their ministry work, which was meant for Israel. Many people fail to understand that not all Old Testament practices apply to us today.”
Similarly, Rev. Prince Obed Ezeonye, Senior Pastor of Excellent Glory Christian Centre, remarked, “Initially, when I heard the statement attributed to Daddy GO, I refrained from commenting for several reasons.
First, I have immense respect for him as a father and mentor, having benefited from the grace of God in his life. I recognized that criticizing such a figure could have significant implications, so I chose to remain silent. I wouldn’t criticize a text without knowing the context because people often misquote personalities. This underscores that for every text, there is a context.
Now that he has acknowledged his statement, there is much to learn from his actions. Pastor Adeboye has demonstrated the rare attitude of a learner. By his actions, he conveys to the body of Christ that he has not arrived at complete understanding and is still learning. This reflects the highest form of meekness.”
Rev. Peter Gabriel Elumeze of Activation Church Global added, “We need to understand that figures like Pastor Adeboye did not reach their current positions in the kingdom through manipulation or human schemes. He has been raised solely by the hand and mercy of God.
His approach to following God has been practical, although it may not be perfect due to the spiritual nuances involved in understanding God better. If he had ulterior motives, he would not have issued an apology, especially since many present-day preachers would refrain from doing so. It takes someone genuinely seeking God to make such a public admission.”
Pastor Kenny Adenugba, Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Grace, remarked, “Today, the concept of tithing presents a significant challenge within the kingdom as people have become overly focused on monetary gains in ministry. The Bible states to bring all tithes into the storehouse so that there may be food in Malachi 3.
At that time, tithing was not about money; it concerned produce, much like the harvest people bring to some churches. When I read about Pastor Adeboye’s statement, I found it unfortunate. However, his apology reflects an understanding of his humanity, prompting him to retract his statement and apologize to the Christian community and his followers.
For me, it demonstrates a crucial quality of a leader to acknowledge their mistakes. It is erroneous to claim that anyone who does not pay tithes will not enter heaven. There are successful individuals who do not pay tithes, and there are non-Christians who also experience success.”
Pastor Olukayode Oyedepo of the Loveesquad Community Church emphasized, “Tithing is part of the law that God gave the children of Israel in His exclusive relationship with them under the Law of Moses. At that time, they were to give 10% of their farm produce to support the Levites.
There is even a portion of the tithe meant for the tithers themselves to consume. This practice is rooted in Jewish tradition. Christians are not Jewish. Abraham, who gave tithes—10% of the spoils of war—did so to Melchizedek once, and he did not pass this practice onto his descendants, who inherited his blessings.
Ultimately, much of the controversy surrounding tithing stems from our inability to separate Judaism from Christianity. Consequently, people often reference Malachi, which was prophetic writing directed toward the Jewish nation and priesthood.”
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