Celestial church of christ new constitution
The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) is a Christian denomination founded in 1947 by Samuel Ogbemudia Oshoffa in Nigeria. The church has a significant following in Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world. The CCC has a unique constitution that outlines its beliefs, practices, and governance structure. Here is an overview of the CCC's new constitution:
Preamble
The preamble of the CCC's constitution states that the church is a spiritual organization founded on the principles of love, unity, and service to humanity. It affirms the church's commitment to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and promoting the well-being of its members and the wider community.
Article 1: The Church
The first article of the constitution defines the CCC as a spiritual organization with a hierarchical structure, comprising the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), the Church of Christ, and the Celestial Church of Christ. It emphasizes the church's autonomy and independence from external influences.
Article 2: The Holy Trinity
The second article affirms the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, which is central to the CCC's theology. It states that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God, co-eternal and co-equal.
Article 3: The Church of Christ
The third article defines the Church of Christ as the body of believers who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the gift of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church.
Article 4: The Celestial Church of Christ
The fourth article defines the Celestial Church of Christ as a specific manifestation of the Church of Christ, founded by Samuel Ogbemudia Oshoffa in 1947. It emphasizes the church's unique characteristics, such as its emphasis on the importance of the Holy Spirit, its use of traditional African music and dance in worship, and its commitment to social justice and community development.
Article 5: The Constitution
The fifth article states that the constitution is the supreme law of the CCC and that all members are expected to abide by its provisions.
Article 6: The General Assembly
The sixth article establishes the General Assembly as the highest governing body of the CCC. The General Assembly is composed of representatives from all over the world and meets every four years to make decisions on church policies and governance.
Article 7: The Synod
The seventh article establishes the Synod as the intermediate governing body between the General Assembly and the local churches. The Synod is responsible for overseeing the spiritual and administrative affairs of the church.
Article 8: The Local Churches
The eighth article defines the local churches as the basic units of the CCC. Each local church is responsible for its own spiritual and administrative affairs, subject to the guidance and oversight of the Synod and the General Assembly.
Article 9: The Pastors
The ninth article defines the pastors as the spiritual leaders of the local churches. They are responsible for preaching, teaching, and administering the sacraments, as well as providing spiritual guidance and counseling to their congregations.
Article 10: The Members
The tenth article defines the members of the CCC as those who have been baptized and confirmed in the church. Members are expected to participate in the life of the church, attend worship services regularly, and contribute to the church's mission and ministry.
Article 11: The Discipline
The eleventh article outlines the discipline of the CCC, which includes the process of church trials and the imposition of penalties for wrongdoing.
Article 12: The Finances
The twelfth article outlines the financial structure of the CCC, including the sources of income, the budget, and the use of funds.
Article 13: The Amendments
The thirteenth article provides for the amendment of the constitution, which can be done through a two-thirds majority vote of the General Assembly.
Overall, the CCC's constitution reflects the church's commitment to its unique theology, its emphasis on the importance of the Holy Spirit, and its commitment to social justice and community development.