1. What is the Basis of the Recent Directive to RCCG Parishes to Create Political and Governance Units?
First, the directive is a fulfillment of the message of our Lord in Mark12v17
“And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Ensuring that our members fulfill their part in the governance of their countries would require that as Christians they understand what the Bible expects of them as members of their societies.
Second, the directive is to ensure that as citizens, our members become enlightened of their constitutional duties and conduct themselves accordingly. For example, RCCG wants our members to understand the importance of registering to vote, actually vote on Election Days and afterwards play their own role as citizens to please God. This is why RCCG like other religious bodies is currently supporting the Public enlightenment campaign of INEC on PVC registration to ensure that those among our members who are eligible to vote, register and receive their Permanent Voters Card- PVC.
2. Is there a Previous History of RCCG being Involved in Social, Political and Governance Issues?
Yes. It is widely known and appreciated that The Redeemed Christian Church of God -RCCG has for several decades been active in social reformation whereby it helps to impact society through programs that demonstrate our care for others as commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ when He said, “As you did it to one of the least of these you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). To that end, the RCCG social reformation mandate has a full-fledged structure known as Christian Social Responsibility.
The church uses our CSR program to provide succor in access to education, health, economic empowerment to children, youth, women and generally the poor and vulnerable in every nation where we have a parish. Paul advocates: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10).
Our social responsibility is in explicit fulfillment of the scripture: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10) . In many cases over five decades, RCCG parishes have delivered support as partners of institutions of States and the Federal Government. Like our Lord Jesus Christ did while on earth, RCCG is engaged in holistic ministry, caring for the spiritual and physical needs of people- for example, feeding the hungry and healing diseases.
3. Is there a Biblical Rationale for the RCCG to be Involved in Social, Political and Governance Matters?
The Church is an important part of Society and so everything that affects society should matter to us. Government and Governance is very important to God and the Bible instructs us, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.”Romans13v1.
Therefore, the directive is to provide our members with basic knowledge of how government works so that in their daily lives they will “…… seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be ……. and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” Jeremiah29v7.
The church in furtherance of the scriptures in Mathew5v13-16 asked our members who are called on to be “the light and salt” of society to also “fulfill all righteousness” wishes that they become aware of their civic duties in their various countries.
The Office of Directorate of Politics and Governance will has a responsibility for enlightenment programs which will ensure that our members fully play their role as citizens of Nigeria and other countries.
4. Does the Directive have Anything to do with the 2023 Elections?
No. The Directorate is a permanent vehicle that will engage permanently in raising the civic awareness of our members so that they can all function as responsible members of society in every aspect of their relationship with government. It also includes providing character-based leadership trainings for those who wish to participate in politics and governance.
5. Does this Directive Mean that RCCG will be Instructing its Members on how and who to Vote for in Elections?
No. Our members are encouraged to belong to any political party of their choice and to vote for whomsoever they choose according to their conscience. RCCG does not determine any of these matters of personal choice for our members.
5. Will the Politics and Governance Unit be Convening Conferences on Politics and Governance.
Yes. Our Parishes will have civic enlightenment seminars like the kind we recently held on March 2, 2022 during our March Special Holy Ghost Service on the topic “The Christian Response to Political Development in Nigeria”.
