Human rights campaigners and the National Secular Society are urging the United Kingdom government to turn down a request by Bishop David Oyedepo’s church, Winners’ Chapel International, accused of linking poor discipline to witchcraft, to open an independent school in Kent.
According to the BBC, Winners’ Chapel International, which is currently under investigation by the Charity Commission, wants to open the school at its Dartford site.
“The church, whose leader Bishop David Oyedpo was filmed accusing a woman of being a witch, declined an interview,” reports BBC.
The organisation, which has its headquarters in Nigeria, is known as Living Faith Church Worldwide and also Winners’ Chapel International (WCI).
Bishop Oyedepo, its leader in Nigeria, has been shown on YouTube slapping a woman and accusing her of being a witch.
His son David Oyedepo Junior is the pastor at WCI’s European headquarters in Dartford, where the church organisation wants to open Kingdom Heritage Model School for children aged four to seven.
But groups including the National Secular Society (NSS) have raised concerns amid claims the church links child “disobedience” to witchcraft – citing the David Oyedepo Ministries website, which states “disobedience is as terrible as witchcraft”.
Stephen Evans, from the NSS, told BBC that the Metropolitan Police had investigated 27 cases of child abuse related to witchcraft this year.
He said: “There’s a need to be vigilant and there’s a need to tackle this. “You don’t do this by allowing organisations that believe in witchcraft and are associated with witch-hunting to open in the UK.”
The Charity Commission confirmed concerns raised about Winners’ Chapel International included conflicts of interest and the charity’s financial management. In 2011, Bishop Oyedepo’s fortune was estimated at $150m (£94m).
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I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist
Posted: at 8-11-2014 09:46 AM (10 years ago) | Addicted Hero
"Pastors" in Nigeria obtain money from its members using what is called a PROSPERITY IN GOSPEL NARRATIVE. They make this money using narrative and tjen they use it to establish buisness, univetsities and schools. Thet then buy private jets and ships. Also they buy expensive peoerties around the world!!!
Posted: at 8-11-2014 10:55 AM (10 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Although people in the UK approach religion from a different angle than Nigerians in Nigeria - I expect the vast majority of the ppl who will attend this school (if established in Kent) will be Nigerians and other Africans. And they most probably will accept the "teaching" of witches and wizardy as being responsible for their kids "bad behaviour." Eventhough the BIBLE talks about parents and upbringing (but thats another story) . Even the TEACHERS will be employed from church members.
The UK already has problems with religious fanatics and Islamic teachings in governmemt schools in Birmingham and elsewhere and now a"pastor" from Nigeria who SLAPS CHURCH MEMBERS because he claims they are a WITCH - wants to open a school in the UK.
Scary! Very scary!!!!
Posted: at 8-11-2014 11:06 AM (10 years ago) | Gistmaniac
nametalkam at 8-11-2014 08:46 PM (10 years ago) (m)
UK is not a lawless land like Nigeria, although going after his investments is a blow below the waist
I specialize in investigative reportage across several subject matter and sectors but mainly focus on metro events and investigation. Do leave your thoughts and opinion on my reports to let me know what you think about them. Thank you
Posted: at 8-11-2014 08:46 PM (10 years ago) | Addicted Hero
Deprince3 at 9-11-2014 06:34 AM (10 years ago) (m)
Quote from: Kevinberry on 8-11-2014 04:24 PM
Mr man Go back to your country I even wonder if God called your son to service too..as you claim God called you
YOUR SALARY IS ANOTHER'S MAN TITHE
What a crazy world Keep on brainwashing I keep on living my life based on what I believe in
Nigerians/ Africans are the most dull brain in the world, God thisdays will call the man, call his wife, call his children and inlaws , now tell me what is family business.
Posted: at 9-11-2014 06:34 AM (10 years ago) | Upcoming
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