5 major differences between these two popular churches
In fact, there are a lot of people who do not realise that these are two separate churches. The fact that they are both white garment churches is probably the biggest reason why people tend to see them as 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.
Pulse did its research and discovered five ways these two churches differ from each other. Here they are.
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1. C & S has divisions, while Cele has managed to stay as one: Moses Orimolade is the acknowledged founder of C&S, established as a Church on September 9, 1925. The church started as the Aladura band (Praying Band). It was later joined by Abiodun Akinsowon, who became the first visionist.
After some time, she left to form Cherubim and Seraphim Society in 1929. This was the first division amongst the Cherubim and Seraphim Church. Then, the Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim was formed by the western group after several failed attempts to unite Abiodun with Moses.
The next division was the emergence of Praying Band of Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim under the leadership of Ezekiel Davies. The Holy Order of Cherubim and Seraphim movement was next. It was formed by the Northern branches.
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.
But, Cele, founded 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.
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2. They have different shoe policies: C&S members can wear shoes outside, not inside the church. For Cele, the case is different. Once you wear your white garment, you can not wear shoes.
3. They use different languages: Like the Catholic church, known for using Latin, C&S is associated with the Yoruba language in the South West. In this part of the country, the church speaks Yoruba during service. However, Cele uses English across the country.
4. They use different colour of candles: C&S use different colours for special prayers while Cele sticks to white candles. Reportedly, this is because the church sees other candles as cultic.
5. Both have similar, yet different chants of praise: C&S says Hallelujah, followed by Iye seven times. Cele says Hallelujah, Hosanna, Ebenezer to the four corners of the earth, North, South, East and West. In total, Cele members say it 28 times.
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These two white garment churches might share similarities, however, this list proves that they are still separate ministries.
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