Samuel BJ Oschoffa

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Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oschoffa (English spelling: Oshoffa , born May 18, 1909 in Porto-Novo , Dahomey , † September 10, 1985 in Ilupeju ) was a Beninese church founder and head of the Heavenly Church of Christ .

Life

Oshoffa's ancestors came from Nigeria and belonged to the Yoruba people . The father was a carpenter and one of the first Christians in Porto Novo around the turn of the century. He was active and established in the Methodist Mission Church and anxious that his only son would become a good Christian. Therefore, at the age of 13, he sent him to a mission school, from which the young Oschoffa was expelled after a short time for undisciplined behavior. He then took on his father's craft and later switched to the more profitable trade in precious woods. This activity led him on extensive excursions into the jungle. After his father's death, Oschoffa became a committed Christian in the Methodist Church. There was also close contact with the Cherubim and Seraphim Society , an independent African church with a charismatic orientation that had recently planted a congregation in Porto Novo.

During a partial solar eclipse in May 1947 (according to traditional beliefs of the region, solar eclipses herald major changes) Oschoffa was left alone in the jungle by his canoe guide during an exploration. At first he was missing; when he reappeared after three months he was changed. It is reported that he healed the sick through prayers and the laying on of hands, and it is said from this time that he raised two dead to life. Oschoffa told of visions of the kingdom of God that he had during his time in the jungle. The Methodist Church reacted skeptically to hostile to Oshoffa's changed demeanor. He was accused of fraud and also Satanism . Conversely, Oschoffa accused the established Christians in Africa of hypocrisy: they professed Christianity, but would resort to traditional magic drugs as soon as they got into serious trouble. Since the Cherubim and Seraphim Church also behaved coolly towards Oshoffa, Oshoffa felt compelled to found his own church. Soon afterwards he told of an angel commissioning him to save people from satanic temptations through preaching and spiritual healing in the name of Jesus Christ. This vision has particular authenticity for Oschoffa's followers, as it was confirmed independently by another person, a certain Marie Zevenu. Shortly afterwards, again under inspiration, a name for the church was found: Eglise du Christianisme Céleste , Heavenly Church of Christ, better known today as the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC). The CCC is closely related to the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in appearance, liturgy, and teaching. According to Oshoffa's interpretation, the CCC preceded it, like John the Baptist Jesus Christ. Organizationally, the church is hierarchically structured, with Oschoffa as head, so-called “pastor”, which corresponds to a pope-like rank within the CCC.

Oschoffa, whose name became synonymous with miraculous healings, was soon one of the most controversial figures in Benin. In particular, the Roman Catholic Church, which lost many members to the CCC, offered bitter resistance. In 1950 the CCC reached Nigeria and the first church was founded in Makoko in Lagos . Due to the pressure that Oschoffa was exposed to in Benin, he moved to Makoko in 1951. In the 1970s the CCC experienced an explosive expansion, particularly within Nigeria. The Nigerian oil boom is held responsible for this, among other things, which also made substantial financial resources available to this church. During this time, the city of Imeko in the state of Ogun , the birthplace of Oschoffa's mother, was expanded into a headquarters of the CCC. It was named "Celestial City" by the followers of the church and became Oschoffa's permanent residence. In 1982 there was a meeting between Oschoffa and Pope John Paul II , which initiated a reconciliation between the CCC and the Roman Catholic Church.

Oschoffa died on September 10, 1985 as a result of a car accident. Already at his funeral, leadership disputes broke out within the CCC, which grew into a permanent crisis. Oschoffa was buried in Imeko, although Porto Novo also made claims. Since then it has not been possible to appoint a "pastor" recognized by all congregations as spiritual leader of the CCC.

See also

List of prophets in Africa

Web links