IS AFRICAN RELIGION

'CELE' AND 'C&S' THE SAME CHURCH??

The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), also known as Cele, is often mistaken for Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S). Many people may not know that these are two separate churches. The fact that they are both white garment churches is probably the biggest reason that the two churches are considered the same. While this is understandable, it does not change the fact that these two churches are unique in their own rights. They have practices, and doctrines that separate one from the other.

For the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Moses Orimolade is the acknowledged founder. He established the Church on September 9, 1925. The church started as the Aladura band (Praying Band). Abiodun Akinsowon later joined the church to become the first visionist. Subsequently, she left to form Cherubim and Seraphim Society in 1929. This was the first division in the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, after several attempts to reconcile Abiodun and Moses failed. The initial church, the Aladura band was renamed Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim with Moses Orimolade as the founder and Supreme Head (Baba Aladura). Moses’ death in 1933 resulted in more divisions in the Church, and led to the formation of:

Celestial Church of Christ

The Sacred Order of C&S by members

1. predominantly based in the south west of Nigeria.

2. The Praying Band of Eternal Sacred Order of C&S under the leadership of Ezekiel Davies.

3. And The Holy Order of Cherubim and Seraphim movement formed by the branches in Northern Nigeria.

On the other hand, the Celestial Church of Christ, established on the 29th of September 1947 in Porto Novo, Republic of Benin, is still united. It has managed to grow with many Parishes, Dioceses all over the world. It’s International Headquarters is in Nigeria. The founder, Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa, lived from 1909 to 1985.