The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticized Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, for claiming that giving a “first fruit” offering can erase sins, including those committed by fraudsters.
CAN labeled the claim as “heresy” and cautioned Nigerians against being misled by preachers of “dubious theological background.”
Fufeyin, popularly known as Papa J, made the assertion during a sermon at his church, stating that the first fruit offering brings miraculous blessings and forgiveness. In a video that resurfaced on social media, he emphasized the spiritual significance of the practice, suggesting it could override even the gravest sins.
However, CAN’s National Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba, rebuked the claim, stating, “God is not fraudulent. He does not ‘share booty with crooks’ or condone sin simply because of offerings given in church.” Ayuba also described Fufeyin’s teachings as manipulative and exploitative, accusing him of taking advantage of innocent Nigerians.
The Lagos State Chairman of CAN, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, dismissed the sermon as unbiblical and challenged Fufeyin to provide scriptural backing for his statements. He warned that such teachings could encourage people to persist in wrongdoing, believing their sins would be absolved by yearly offerings.
Efforts to get a response from Fufeyin were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to his known mobile line went unanswered. A female respondent from the church's official contact line directed inquiries to the church's administrative office, declining to provide any clarification.
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