In a bold and controversial move, Apostle Johnson Suleman, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, has drawn a line in the sand regarding marital choices among his congregation. The outspoken cleric has declared that he will no longer attend the weddings of members who choose to marry outside the church, sparking debates about inter-church relationships and unity among Christian denominations.
Apostle Suleman made this pronouncement during a recent sermon, underscoring the benefits of his male congregants marrying women within the church. A video capturing the sermon has since gone viral, attracting mixed reactions on social media.
The fiery preacher did not mince words. Addressing the congregation, he said, “If you wed somebody outside the ministry, I will not attend the wedding because there’s a lot of daughters in this church and you are looking outside.”
His remarks were met with murmurs and laughter from some congregants, but his tone suggested that he was serious about enforcing the directive. “The wedding will be conducted. They will wed you, but I will not come,” Suleman added.
The cleric further justified his stance by citing the challenges he has faced as a spiritual leader. “Seventy percent of the crises I have handled in the past two months is from people that married the girls from outside here,” he lamented, hinting at a higher level of understanding and compatibility among couples who share the same spiritual background.
Suleman’s statement highlights an ongoing debate within Nigerian Christianity regarding the dynamics of inter-church relationships. While some religious leaders encourage inter-denominational marriages as a means of fostering unity among Christians, others, like Suleman, argue that such unions may bring unnecessary complications due to differing doctrines and practices.
Marriage in religious settings often goes beyond the union of two individuals; it intertwines families and spiritual communities. Leaders like Suleman believe that marrying within the same ministry fosters harmony and eases potential conflicts that might arise from divergent theological beliefs.
“Marrying within the church is not about control but about shared values and understanding,” said one Omega Fire Ministries member who supported the apostle’s position. “When you marry someone who has been raised in the same spiritual environment, you’re less likely to have misunderstandings about fundamental issues like worship, parenting, and financial stewardship.”
The viral video of Suleman’s sermon has sparked widespread debate among Nigerians on social media. While some support his stance, others have criticized it as overly restrictive and counterproductive to Christian unity.
“Why should love be limited by church affiliation? Are we not all one body in Christ?” questioned a Twitter user, reflecting the sentiment of many who view the directive as divisive.
However, another commenter countered, “The Apostle knows his congregation and the challenges they face. If this rule prevents marital crises, then it’s for the best.”
The debate is not just about marriage but also about the role of religious leaders in influencing the personal lives of their followers. Critics argue that such pronouncements can border on overreach, while supporters see them as protective measures grounded in wisdom.
Apostle Suleman is no stranger to making headlines with his strong views. Over the years, he has been a prominent and polarizing figure in Nigeria’s religious landscape. Known for his fiery sermons and unflinching stance on various issues, Suleman often addresses topics ranging from politics to social behavior with candor.
In 2021, he attracted attention for his prophetic declarations about Nigeria’s political future. Earlier this year, he spoke against the rise of what he described as “lukewarm Christianity,” urging believers to be more devoted in their faith practices.
This latest directive on marriage is consistent with his pattern of emphasizing order and discipline within his ministry.
The Apostle’s remarks also bring to the fore broader discussions about the church’s influence on relationships in contemporary Nigeria. As marriage becomes increasingly influenced by secular trends and individual preferences, religious leaders find themselves navigating a delicate balance between guiding their flock and respecting personal autonomy.
While some churches encourage openness to inter-denominational marriages, others advocate for exclusivity to maintain doctrinal purity. The Omega Fire Ministries’ stance aligns with the latter, reflecting an approach that prioritizes cohesion within the spiritual community.
