The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, also known as the C&S, founded by Moses Orimolade Tunolase in 1925 is gathering all its different branches to form a united coalition to take its rightful place among church groupings.

Prof. Joseph Otubu

The Cherubim and Seraphim group is described as the foremost pentecostal movement in Nigeria which was directed by Jesus Christ to name their circle of followers seraphim, after an angel they claimed to have seen in their dreams.

Several years after the creation of the Cherubim and Seraphim, different denominations following in its traditions broke off and formed new churches.

An inaugural meeting of leaders drawn from six independent branches of C&S churches was convened by Elder Professor Joseph Otubu, the Vice President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, recently at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos to form a new front.

A communique after the meeting of the Council of Elders of Cherubim and Seraphim, and signed by His Most Eminence David Bob-Manuel of ESOCS Church; His Most Eminence Solomon Alao of Sacred C&S Church; His Most Eminence Babatunde Amusan of Praying Band of C&S, His Most Eminence Samuel Abidoye of C&S Movement Church; His Most Eminence Michael Ebahor of The Esocs Church, and His Most Eminence Babatunde Adebona of C&S Society it was resolved as follows:

“That the Cherubim and Seraphim Churches remain the first Pentecostal movement in Nigeria having the grace of Apostolic power-speaking in ton-gues, prophesy and powerful preaching of the gospel.

“That the Cherubim and Seraphim Churches shall be a united and indivisi-ble group.

“That in order to foster the unity among the Cherubim and Seraphim Churches, the Council of Elders of Cherubim and Seraphim Churches is hereby constitut-ed.

“That the Council of Elders shall foster growth, unity and peace generally among all the member Churches

“That the Council of Elders shall promote unity among the youths, women and elders in the service of the LORD; and; “There will be quarterly meeting of the Council of Elders,” the communique added.

Earlier in his welcome address, the CAN vice president, Prof. Otubu lamented that C&S churches have lost that prime position in ecumenism to other denominations, wondering why “we were disparaged and condemned despite our enviable traditions and contributions.”

According to him, the perculiar tradi-tions included clapping and dancing, beautiful garments, sealing services, midnight prayers, traditional music etc. Today, I can confidently tell you that the resuilt of this condemnation of our great heritage was and is still geared towards stealing our traditions and refining them to reflect modern concerns. I have obs-erved that they condemned us in order to win and convert our talents mainly the youths to their organisations.”

To reposition the C&S Churches, Prof. Otubu proposes three objectives: To enhance better Intra-relationship among all C&S churches as this will help to curtail all the excesses and promote unity of C&S churches; To promote oneness among members of C&S churches in Christendom, OAIC, CAN and other religious bodies who capitalise on our diofferences and bitterness to divide us; and It will promote the image of C&S churches at the local, state and Federal levels of government in this country.

Based on the proposal, the CAN vice president, who belong to the group, urged the six leaders present to assist in making the dream a reality. “WE must chart a common cause to give C&S churches its rightful place among the comity of churches. We cannot continue to play the second fiddle or take the back seat while nodding in acceptance what other churches say. The time to act is now!” praying passionately for their support in transforming the C&S churches to meet modern yearnings.

He stressed the need for all leaders in the C&S Movement to do all within their influence to do away with bitterness and the ‘Pull Him Down’ syndrome, imploring them to work with all through SERAFU Youth Organisation, SERAFU Women Organisation and The Council of Elders.