Synagogue Church of All Nations
| Synagogue Church Of All Nations | |
|---|---|
 The Synagogue Church of All Nations | |
 | |
| Location | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Denomination | Non-denominational, Charismatic |
| Weekly attendance | 50,000 |
| Website | www |
| History | |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder(s) | T.B. Joshua |
| Clergy | |
| Senior pastor(s) | Evelyn Joshua |
The Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) is a charismatic Christian megachurch located in Lagos, Nigeria.[1] In early 2024, following a two-year investigation, the BBC revealed evidence of widespread abuse and torture by the church's founder T. B. Joshua,[2][3] who died in 2021.
History
T. B. Joshua wrote that in a heavenly vision he received 'divine anointing' and a covenant from God to start his ministry in 1987.[4] The church started with eight members, but has since become one of Nigeria's most influential churches, attracting over 50,000 people[5] to its weekly Sunday services at the headquarters in Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos. Joshua, the church's founder and senior Pastor, died in June 2021 shortly after leaving an ongoing service.[6] As of 2024[update], the church is led by Joshua's widow, Evelyn.[3]
Religious tourism
SCOAN is especially known for the huge number of foreign visitors it attracts with The Guardian reporting the church receives more weekly attendees than the combined number of visitors to Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.[7] This Day newspapers reported that "about two million local and inbound tourists" visit SCOAN annually.[8]
It has been described as "Nigeria's biggest tourist attraction"[9] and "the most visited destination by religious tourists in West Africa".[10] Figures released by the Nigerian Immigration Service indicated that six out of every ten foreign travellers coming into Nigeria are bound for SCOAN.[11]
SCOAN's contribution to Nigeria's religious tourism was highlighted[12] when the cleric hinted at the possibility of relocating his ministry to Israel during a Sunday service.[13] The announcement proved controversial; several prominent Nigerians[14] urged him to remain in the country, citing the economic setbacks[15] Nigeria would probably experience if he moved out of the country. The church's popular services have significantly helped local businesses and hoteliers.[16]
In 2014, a guesthouse for SCOAN pilgrims collapsed, killing at least 116 people.[2]
Faith healing
SCOAN claims regular occurrences of divine miracles.[17] It has published numerous videos claiming to document the healing of incurable disabilities and illnesses such as HIV/AIDS,[18][19][20] blindness[21] and open wounds.[22] Spiritual healing at SCOAN has been the subject of several media reports, including a mention in Time Magazine,[23] an Associated Press interview[24] and an article by Foreign Policy.[25]
In 2024, the BBC published claims by Agomoh Paul, a former high-ranking member of SCOAN, that the supposed healings were fake. Paul alleged he had personally been in charge of overseeing that process.[3]
Television
The church's weekly services are broadcast live on Emmanuel TV as well as on SCOAN's social media platforms.[26] SCOAN is particularly popular on social media, with 1.4 million YouTube subscribers and 3.5 million Facebook followers.
Controversy
SCOAN has been the subject of allegations concerning its late founder, TB Joshua, who died in 2021. The BBC conducted an investigation that revealed claims of misconduct within the church, including allegations of rape, forced abortions, physical violence, and misleading "miracle healings" over a nearly two-decade period within a secretive Lagos compound. Several former members, including five individuals from the UK, came forward with their testimonies. While the church did not provide a response to these allegations, it has previously denied similar claims.
Despite some controversies during his lifetime, TB Joshua had a global following, including political leaders and celebrities. The investigation marked the first time that former church insiders had openly shared their experiences, which they had previously been reluctant to discuss. SCOAN continues to operate under the leadership of TB Joshua's widow, Evelyn.[2]
References
- ^ "TB Joshua Ranked Among Most Famous Prophets In History". African Travel Times. 22 March 2016. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ a b c Northcott, Charlie; Spooner, Helen (7 January 2024). "TB Joshua: Megachurch leader raped and tortured worshippers, BBC finds". BBC News, Africa Eye. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b c Northcott, Charlie; Spooner, Helen (7 January 2024). "TB Joshua: 'We thought it was heaven but then terrible things happened'". BBC News, Africa Eye. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ Pieter Coertzen, M Christiaan Green, Len Hansen, Law and Religion in Africa: The quest for the common good in pluralistic societies, African Sun Media, South Africa, 2015, p. 311
- ^ "Celebrity Priests". The Economist. 7 July 2012. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Nimi Princewill (6 June 2021). "Nigerian megachurch preacher dies after church program". CNN. Archived from the original on 7 June 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ Mark, Monica (1 September 2013). "Lagos Businesses Cash In On Lure Of Super Pastor TB Joshua". The Guardian (UK). Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ "Nigeria: Tourism Expert Calls for Restoration of Tourism Ministry". This Day (Nigeria). 4 March 2016. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ "Synagogue Impasse: Hoteliers, Others Groan". New Telegraph (Nigeria). 5 March 2016. Archived from the original on 21 April 2016.
- ^ Ojewusi, Sola (26 March 2016). "TB Joshua And The Synagogue Tragedy, Another Perspective". The Authority (Nigeria). Archived from the original on 17 August 2016.
- ^ "Foreigners Flock To Nigeria For TB Joshua's Birthday". Nigeria Films. 12 June 2014. Archived from the original on 16 April 2016.
- ^ Henama, Unathi (9 May 2017). "TB Joshua emigrating to Israel: Lessons for South Africa on religious tourism". The Cable (Nigeria). Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Irekamba, Chris (11 June 2017). "Synagogue church going to Israel: What residents, neighbours say". The Guardian (Nigeria). Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Odunsi, Wale (9 June 2017). "TB Joshua's Relocation To Israel: Cardinal Okojie, Balarabe Musa React". Daily Post (Nigeria). Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ "Beg Him Or Nigeria'll Lose Billions If TB Joshua relocates – Experts Tell FG, Ambode". Vanguard (Nigeria). 14 May 2017. Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Ben-Nwankwo, Nonye (17 August 2013). "TB Joshua's Neighbours Convert Homes To Hotels". The Punch (Nigeria). Archived from the original on 22 February 2014.
- ^ "TB Joshua now releases videos of his early days miracles". Zambian Eye. 23 October 2012. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014.
- ^ "Prophet TB Joshua Heals A Man Who Has AIDS". Nigeria Films. 2 February 2014. Archived from the original on 29 July 2014.
- ^ "People 'healed' of HIV-AIDS after visiting Nigerian Prophet TB Joshua". Bulawayo24 News. 5 March 2012. Archived from the original on 2 August 2019.
- ^ "Prophet T.B.Joshua & The Synagogue". The Remnant. 1 February 2008. Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Zaimov, Stoyan (12 April 2017). "Blind Man Shouts 'I Can See!' at Controversial Pastor TB Joshua's Healing Service". Christian Post. Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Zaimov, Stoyan (14 May 2017). "Jesus shoots protruded anus back to place says TB Joshua Ministries". Vanguard (Nigeria). Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Kluger, Jeffrey (12 February 2009). "Spiritual Healing Around The World". Time Magazine. Archived from the original on 3 August 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Petesch, Carley (19 April 2014). "Nigeria Preacher: Healer Or Controversial Leader". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2 May 2014. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Getty, Rowan Moore (25 April 2014). "Only The Synagogue Can Save You". Foreign Policy. Archived from the original on 14 May 2014. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Baker, Helen (3 August 2016). "Emmanuel TV: Celebrating A Decade Of Blessings". PM News (Nigeria). Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
