By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
The recent ordination of gospel singer Victoria Orenze as an apostle has ignited a fierce debate within Christian communities and on social media.
The ceremony, led by Pastor Chris Delvan, featured notable attendees, including gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey and Bishop Wale Oke.
A video showing these leaders laying hands on Orenze has gone viral, stirring discussions about the role of women in church leadership. In the footage, Pastor Delvan charges Orenze, known for her powerful worship songs, with the duties of apostleship.
While some view this as a progressive step, others have criticized it for allegedly contradicting biblical teachings. One critic, @heroism2000, stated, “The Bible does not permit women to teach men doctrine in the church. This ordination seems to contradict scripture.”
Similarly, @Nasibzubairu1 remarked, “Apostleship is not for women. This is a mistake.”
Concerns also surfaced about the potential impact on Orenze’s ministry. A user, @BamtopB, suggested, “This new title could alter how people see your ministry. You can still affect your generation without this title.”
On the other hand, supporters see the ordination as a landmark moment for inclusivity in the church. “If there is no opposition to this, it means we are making progress in embracing change and gender equality in the church,” tweeted @AkpCharles.
This is not the first time Orenze has faced controversy. Her use of the phrase “Jehovah El-Steeze” previously sparked backlash for its perceived irreverence.
Despite these challenges, Orenze’s music and ministry continue to resonate with many. The ordination has reignited discussions on the role of women in church leadership, particularly in Pentecostal circles.
