The Bishop of Esan Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev’d Gabriel Elabor has warned pastors against inviting comedians to make jest during Church programmes, describing it as an abomination.
Bishop Elabor asserted that such practice would be giving Satan the opportunity to operate because people would not be seriously involved in the normal session.
He expressed his disapproval for the practice while delivering his charge at First Session of the Seventh Synod of Esan Diocese, with theme: “Have you seen this, O Mortal?”, holding at St. John’s Anglican Church, Idumebo-Ekpoma, Edo State.
” I consider this act as an abomination, because the church is not suppose to be a secular gathering, even though it finds herself in the world. May I say this, I do not have any hatred for any comedian, they are great guys, by incorporating these guys and their comedies into worship services is where the problem lies.
“I must say this, a comedian can be a Christian, yes, a very committed one. He can be a Sunday School Teacher, but, not to crack jokes on the altar. Outside the church, he can perform his work, but within, no. A church is not a stage ground, as the congregation is not the audience! They are two different things”, he said.
He regretted that many apostate churches today were very soft on sin, having the trappings of doing church – rituals and programmes, entertainment and social gospel, but lack power to bring anyone to conviction of the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The Anglican Bishop therefore called on all to in humidity, honesty and confession of sin, return to God, as hell awaits those who refuse to accept Jesus as their personal saviour.
The synod featured presentation of episcopal awards to some deserving recipients, including the Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, among others
