The Synagogue, Church of All Nations

The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) is a charismatic Christian megachurch located in Lagos, Nigeria. [1]

The Synagogue, Church of All Nations
LocationLagos, Nigeria
CountryNigeria
DenominationNon-denominational, Charismatic
Weekly attendance50,000
Websitewww.scoan.org
History
Founded1987
Founder(s)T.B. Joshua
Clergy
Senior pastor(s)T.B. Joshua

History

Joshua wrote that in a heavenly vision he received 'divine anointing' and a covenant from God to start his ministry in 1987. [2] The church started with a handful of members but has since become one of Nigeria’s most influential churches, attracting over 50,000 people[3] to its weekly Sunday services at the headquarters in Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos.

Religious tourism

The SCOAN is especially known for the huge number of foreign pilgrims 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.[4] This Day newspapers reported that “about two million local and inbound tourists” visit The SCOAN annually.[5]

It has been described as “Nigeria’s biggest tourist attraction”[6] and “the most visited destination by religious tourists in West Africa”.[7] Figures released by the Nigerian Immigration Service indicated that six out of every ten foreign travellers coming into Nigeria are bound for The SCOAN.[8]

The SCOAN’s contribution to Nigeria's religious tourism was highlighted[9] when the cleric hinted at the possibility of relocating his ministry to Israel during a Sunday service.[10] The announcement proved controversial with several prominent Nigerians[11] urging him to remain in the country, citing the economic setbacks[12] Nigeria would likely experience through his potential relocation. The church's popular services have also resulted in an enormous boost for local businesses and hoteliers.[13]

Faith healing

SCOAN claims regular occurrences of divine miracles.[14] It has published numerous videos claiming to document the healing of incurable disabilities and illnesses such as HIV/AIDS,[15][16][17] blindness[18] and open wounds.[19]

Spiritual healing at The SCOAN has been the subject of several media reports, including a mention in Time Magazine,[20] an Associated Press interview[21] and an article by Foreign Policy.[22]

Television

The church's weekly services are broadcast live on Emmanuel TV as well as on The SCOAN's social media platforms.[23] The SCOAN is particularly popular on social media with 1.4 million YouTube subscribers and 3.5 million Facebook followers.

See also

References
  1. "TB Joshua Ranked Among Most Famous Prophets In History". African Travel Times. 2016-03-22.
  2. 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
  3. "Celebrity Priests". The Economist. 2012-07-07.
  4. Mark, Monica (2013-09-01). "Lagos Businesses Cash In On Lure Of Super Pastor TB Joshua". The Guardian (UK).
  5. "Nigeria: Tourism Expert Calls for Restoration of Tourism Ministry". This Day (Nigeria). 2016-03-04.
  6. "Synagogue Impasse: Hoteliers, Others Groan". New Telegraph (Nigeria). 2016-03-05. Archived from the original on 2016-04-21.
  7. Ojewusi, Sola (2016-03-26). "TB Joshua And The Synagogue Tragedy, Another Perspective". The Authority (Nigeria). Archived from the original on 2016-08-17.
  8. "Foreigners Flock To Nigeria For TB Joshua's Birthday". Nigeria Films. 2014-06-12. Archived from the original on 2016-04-16.
  9. Henama, Unathi (2017-05-09). "TB Joshua emigrating to Israel: Lessons for South Africa on religious tourism". The Cable (Nigeria).
  10. Irekamba, Chris (2017-06-11). "Synagogue church going to Israel: What residents, neighbours say". The Guardian (Nigeria).
  11. Odunsi, Wale (2017-06-09). "TB Joshua's Relocation To Israel: Cardinal Okojie, Balarabe Musa React". Daily Post (Nigeria).
  12. "Beg Him Or Nigeria'll Lose Billions If TB Joshua relocates – Experts Tell FG, Ambode". Vanguard (Nigeria). 2017-05-14.
  13. Ben-Nwankwo, Nonye (2013-08-17). "TB Joshua's Neighbours Convert Homes To Hotels". The Punch (Nigeria). Archived from the original on 2014-02-22.
  14. "TB Joshua now releases videos of his early days miracles". Zambian Eye. 2012-10-23. Archived from the original on 2014-08-10.
  15. "Prophet TB Joshua Heals A Man Who Has AIDS". Nigeria Films. 2014-02-02. Archived from the original on 2014-07-29.
  16. "People 'healed' of HIV-AIDS after visiting Nigerian Prophet TB Joshua". Harare24. 2012.
  17. "Prophet T.B.Joshua & The Synagogue". The Remnant. 2008-02-01.
  18. Zaimov, Stoyan (2017-04-12). "Blind Man Shouts 'I Can See!' at Controversial Pastor TB Joshua's Healing Service". Christian Post.
  19. Zaimov, Stoyan (2017-05-14). "Jesus shoots protruded anus back to place says TB Joshua Ministries". Vanguard (Nigeria).
  20. Kluger, Jeffrey (2009-02-12). "Spiritual Healing Around The World". Time Magazine.
  21. Petesch, Carley (2014-04-19). "Nigeria Preacher: Healer Or Controversial Leader". Associated Press.
  22. Getty, Rowan Moore (2014-04-25). "Only The Synagogue Can Save You". Foreign Policy.
  23. Baker, Helen (2016-08-03). "Emmanuel TV: Celebrating A Decade Of Blessings". PM News (Nigeria).

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