Samuel Oshoffa
Samuel Joseph Bilewu Oschoffa ( English spelling: Oshoffa ) ( born May 18, 1909 in Porto Novo, Dahomey, † September 10, 1985 in Ilupeju ) was a Beninese church founder and leader of the Celestial Church of Christ.
Life
Oschoffas ancestors came from Nigeria and among the people of the Yoruba to. The father was a carpenter and around the turn of the century one of the first Christians in Porto Novo. He was active and established in the Methodist Mission Church and concerned that his only son become a good Christian. So he sent him at the age of 13 years on a mission school, from the young Oschoffa was expelled after a short time because of undisciplined behavior. He then took to his father's trade, and later switched over to the more lucrative trade with precious woods. This activity led him to extended excursions into the jungle. After the death of his father Oschoffa was a committed Christian in the Methodist Church. There was also cherubim and seraphim close contact to the Society, an independent African church with charismatic orientation that had just founded a community in Porto Novo.
During a partial solar eclipse in May 1947 ( eclipses denounce it after the traditional notions of the region major changes to ) Oschoffa was left alone in the jungle with an exploration of his canoe guide. He initially lost; when he showed up again after three months, he had changed. It is reported that he was healed by prayer and laying on of hands the sick, also made out to be from that time, he had two raised the dead to life. Oschoffa told of visions of the kingdom, which he had had during his time in the jungle. The Methodist Church reacted skeptically to hostile to Oschoffas altered appearance. It was accused of fraud and even Satanism. Conversely threw Oschoffa the established Christians in Africa hypocrisy: those known to be Christians, but would as soon as they got into serious trouble, resort to traditional charms. Since the Cherubim and Seraphim church Oschoffa against cool behaved saw this themselves compelled to start their own church. Soon after, he said, to have been instructed by an angel to keep by preaching and spiritual healing in the name of Jesus Christ people from satanic temptations. This vision has special Oschoffas trailer for authenticity, as it was confirmed independently of him by another person, a certain Marie Zevenu. Shortly thereafter, a name for the church was again under inspiration, found: Eglise du Christianisme Céleste, Celestial Church of Christ, now better known as the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC). The CCC has strong affinity with the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in appearance, liturgy and doctrine. After Oschoffas interpretation is that the CCC preceded, like John the Baptist, Jesus Christ. Organizationally the church is hierarchical, with Oschoffa as the head, so-called "pastor", which corresponds to a pope similar rank in the CCC.
Oschoffa, whose name became synonymous with miracle cures, was soon one of the most controversial figures in Benin. In particular, the Roman Catholic Church, who lost many members of the CCC, made fierce resistance. 1950 reached the CCC Nigeria, a first congregation was established in Makoko in Lagos. Because of the pressure, the Oschoffa saw himself exposed in Benin, moved to this in 1951 after Makoko. In the 1970s, the CCC underwent an explosive expansion, especially within Nigeria. Responsible, among other things, the oil boom in Nigeria is it made , who provided substantial financial resources available and this church. In this period the city Imeko in Ogun State, the birthplace of Oschoffas mother to a headquarters of the CCC was expanded. She received by the followers of the church the name " Celestial City" and became a permanent resident Oschoffas. In 1982 there was a meeting between Oschoffa and Pope John Paul II, which initiated a reconciliation between the CCC and the Roman Catholic Church.
Oschoffa died on 10 September 1985 following a car accident. Even at his funeral leadership disputes broke out within the CCC, which grew into a permanent crisis. Oschoffa was buried in Imeko, although Porto Novo laid claims. Since it is no longer able to use a certificate recognized by all communities "pastor" as spiritual leaders of the CCC.