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Web-conference with Pastor Adelaja Addresses Church’s Role in Ukrainian Politics

05.06.2008, [17:54] // Protestant //

Kyiv— Pastor Sunday Adelaja was the guest participant in an internet-conference held at liga.net’s press center in Kyiv. Questions for the church leader included: How did the Embassy of God became the largest Charismatic Church in Europe in the past 14 years? How did Chernovetskyi win the elections for mayor again? Why and to what extent is the Embassy of God Church active in the public and political life of Kyiv? RISU’s Ukrainian-language webpage posted this story on 3 May 2008.

“The Embassy of God is not just a dogmatic Church,” explained Adelaja. “It is, first of all, a place of education, wisdom, and understanding, all of which elevate people and make them fit for life. Parishoners are educated enough that they can solve even public and political issues.”

Conference participants were concerned about the combination of “church” and “state,” specifically asking if it did not contradict the Bible. “Politics cannot contradict the Bible, as God created politics in the same way he created all things visible or invisible to glorify Him,” answered the pastor.

Adelaja had only positive things to say about the major of Kyiv, Leonid Chernovetskyi: “He assumed office as a rich man. He could not decline the salary, but instead his salary is contributed to a fund for low-income groups of Kyiv. May God grant that all our politicians become like this.”
When about the recipe for Chernovetskyi’s success, Adelaja said: “There is no secret here. First, one should become a truly believing person who reads the Bible and attends Church. Second, it is necessary to show that you love people and act accordingly. This way, everyone will be able to see the image of Christ in you. There will be no need to campaign; people will simply elect you.”