Religion is a controversial topic whenever it is discussed, especially in our society which has seen a fusion of different practices from religious groups, sects, and societies. Though, we pride ourselves as a multicultural society. But, in reality, there are certain perceptions we have developed that make us scared of others for one reason or the other.
As a member of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), which is popularly referred to as “Olumba Olumba Obu,” or “O O Obu,” by many, I have faced this challenge numerous times with the first experience being in my secondary school days at Girls High School, Ikot Ibio in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State nearly 16 years ago.
But, before I delve further into that experience and that of those who are either scared of or have negative perceptions about the BCS. The rhetorical question, “how well do people know the Brotherhood?” has crossed my mind many times.
Brief History
The BCS is a religious organization founded in 1956 by Leader Olumba Olumba in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Its motto is, “Love, Faith, and Hope.”
The BCS differs from mainstream Christianity as it is not viewed as a church but according to the Everlasting Gospel, “the new Kingdom of God on earth,” with the founder, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, being the Holy Spirit personified, the God of all creation; and the Son, His Holiness Olumba Olumba, the returned Christ.
It is important to note that the BCS relates with mainstream Christian teachings such as incarnation, decarnation, and reincarnation. So, in essence, the BCS is a community that focuses on a unique way of living, which is why many are usually confused.
Back To Experiences
From basic institutions to secondary schools and tertiary institutions, especially within Nigeria, members of the BCS, like members of other religious organizations, have faced significant stigmatization for different reasons.
In the Secondary Schools I attended, my name was Blessing Obu! I’m sure you laughed, yes, it’s funny but even in the University to date, I still face that. Most of my friends may have even forgotten the fact that my surname is Ekong and will easily, and maybe jocularly so, refer to or introduce me as, “Blessing Obu.”
A course mate of mine whom I am certain has forgotten my actual name only salutes me with “Peace ooo,” and I will respond appropriately, “Peace of the Father!” If you found that shocking, check deeply, your religious organization will have a salutation of some sort. For instance, Muslims and Arabic Christians alike specially salute each other. For example in Islam “As-salamu alaykum,” which means, “peace unto you,” and the response is always, “Wa ʿalaykumu s-salam” which is, “may peace be unto you.” Now, despite popular culture such as movies making it look like a terrorist salutation, has it changed? The answer of course is no. However, it always attracts some curiosity when someone says and accompanies it, with some perception or suspicion of the person that will make you think of that person or group of persons in a different light.
The Misunderstanding
The misunderstanding of religious practices is as old as mankind. While the missionaries frowned at the practices of our forebears, our ancestors, and those who have followed our old traditional beliefs, the import of other religious practices has eroded value systems that made us a more progressive society and vice versa.
All of these happened despite the preaching of religious tolerance by political and religious leaders.
But, even among the Christian folks, the prejudice remains. A Catholic may view a Brotherhood member’s practice as strange, while the Brotherhood member will wonder why a Redeemed member will defend, to the minutest of detail, the actions, and decisions of her/his General Overseer.
Many have confused the wearing of white garments as a connection to African traditional religious practices. The truism is that this practice targets a global monoculture of good over evil and the Brotherhood of man.
My opinion is that the portrayal of African traditional religion practitioners in films and other creative sector productions as people who walk bare feet, wear long white or red robes, tie a girdle among others has led to that erroneous belief.
I am sure the reader may have watched a film or two that shows the juju priest walking to warn the villagers or the King of a particular occurrence that will spell doom and, in the process, chant some songs or indulge in voice chants. So, when they see Brotherhood members embark on routine outings like other religious organizations, especially churches, to sing, it will strike a chord. Certainly, perception formulation will be tilted more towards the make-believe scene from films, etc.
Do Not Be Afraid
Trust me, one or some will naturally expect that I defend my belief, which is a right enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). However, it should be noted that the core of Brotherhood teaching is Love.
Simple research on the internet about the core teachings of most religions from Christianity to Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, etc, is love. So, the question remains, why should one be afraid of an organization whose activities are well documented and in the public?
If the creative sector impacts your belief system and perception of the BCS, do you know that Brotherhood members are pure vegetarians who forbid the harming, killing, and consumption of animals and animal products? While the depictions in the movies of the juju priest as one that kills animals and eats them.
BCS teaches that humanity is a finite entity that emerged from one infinite being (Rowe, 1998), hence the term “Brotherhood” depicting “the unity of God and His creation.” This is further captured in the teachings of the Leader, Olumba Olumba Obu who asserts that “we are all one in spirit” (Everlasting Gospel Vol 2, pp. 252-256).
Also, the BCS teachings, unlike those of some religious organizations it is usually likened to, do not glorify epicureanism. But, it extols the mortification of the flesh for the uplifting of the spirit. To achieve this, BCS members engage in 72 hours of dry fasting during the three Pentecostal activities every year, while Thursdays of every week are reserved for a 12-hour fast from dawn to dusk.
The teachings of the Leader emphasize the fact that evil on earth is caused by segregation and discrimination; lack of divine love, of creation towards fellow creation, all of which signals a deficiency of the accurate knowledge of the truth. But, all hope is not lost as the Leader says no man can heal this global injury, but the landlord of the universe is here to provide a panacea to the global quagmire (Everlasting Gospel Vol 11).
In the BCS, we view our community as the fulfillment of the scripture in Daniel 2:44 to love one another as taught by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 22:37-40. This is demonstrated practically, and as stated in the Everlasting Gospels, by catering for the needs of the less privileged and promoting the spiritual wellbeing of all irrespective of age, color, beliefs, social standing, or religion.
The Kingdom, which welcomes all creations of God, preaches peace, honesty, forgiveness, humility, equality, and all divine virtues. The Kingdom strongly discourages violence, stealing, cultism, witchery, necromancy, all forms of wickedness, hatred for another person.
Again, trust me, you do not need to fear the BCS as many who confuse the preaching and practices often have a problem basically with how they view Leader Olumba Olumba Obu. But, this fear, especially among Christians, should be discarded by the fact that Leader Olumba Olumba Obu has never, and will not preach any name or person; rather, the truth to the world. God is the truth and the sole owner of the entire world and the fullness thereof. Christ bore witness to the Holy Spirit, which is righteousness. This righteousness is love, peace, patience, humility, long-suffering, goodness, charity, and all such godly virtues.
Blessing Emmanuel Ekong is an IT student from the University of Calabar with CrossRiverWatch.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Blessing Emmanuel Ekong, and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.