Catholic Church backs Pastor Adeboye’s take on ‘tithe’, says ‘Money not basis for heaven’

The Catholic Church also noted that “Pastor Adeboye has found the truth and the truth has liberated him”

By Kehinde Okeowo

The Catholic Church has thrown its weight behind claims that payment of “tithe” is not a requirement to make heaven.

The church’s position was conveyed by the Director of Social Communications for the Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, Rev Fr Anthony Godonu.

He was reacting to an apology by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye over his recent comment on tithe.

The clergyman while speaking to his church members claimed that payment of “tithe” was one of the prerequisites for going to heaven and that Christians who do not pay are candidates of hell fire

However, in subsequent statement, the pastor made a U-turn, admitting that his assertion was a “mistake”.

Adeboye said, “I apologize for saying ‘If you don’t pay tithe, you might not make it to heaven.”

He added, “I’m sorry, that’s wrong, and it’s not in the Bible. What the Bible says is ‘Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God’.”

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Reacting to the statement, Godonu, said Adeboye’s earlier teaching was not in line with that of the Catholic Church.

In a statement he issued, he said: “On the repentance of Pastor Enoch Adeboye over the statement he made three years ago that those who do not pay tithes will not go to heaven and recanting the statement, I think it is the right to do. That means he has found 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 the truth has liberated him. The Catholic Church doesn’t preach money as the basis for going to heaven, but doing the will of the father and following Jesus Christ.

“Carry your cross daily; accept everything that comes to you in thanksgiving and praise is what we preach in the Catholic Church. I am glad that a high ranking pastor in Nigeria has come out to say the truth at his age and at this time.

“What much does he need to say than the truth if truly he wants to get to heaven? I am congratulating him for knowing the truth and showing light to the public.”