EXTRA: ‘I misinterpreted God’s revelation’ — priest backtracks after preaching polygamy

Lotanna Ogbuchukwu, a former Anglican priest who resigned to start a pro-polygamy movement, says he made a mistake.

In September, Ogbuchukwu said he received divine instruction to spread the word that polygamy is not a sin.

He claimed that the mandate he received from God was geared towards reducing the rate of sexual sins in society.

Ogbuchukwu said it is God’s desire for men to marry more than one wife, instead of having pre/extramarital sex.

He said the church had hidden this information from members for a long time and that it was high time people were told the truth.

“It is obvious that the church, especially the Anglican Church, has been teaching against the concept of polygamy, but the Lord has opened my eyes to the reality that polygamy is not a sin,” he had said.

The priest had said his new movement would be called Gideonites, while the place of worship would be called Gideonites’ Temple.

‘MISINTERPRETATION OF REVELATION’

In a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday, Ogbuchukwu said he regrets his decision and that he would return to the church.

He pleaded with his supporters to back off from his agenda of propagating polygamy.

Ogbuchukwu said his actions were borne out of a misinterpretation of his revelations from God.

He promised “not to speak or work against the sound and godly doctrines” of the church.

“I wish to inform the general body of Christ and the general public that I have submitted a letter of apology to my Lord Bishop for resigning from being a member of the body of Clergy Association of Diocese of Nnewi (Anglican Communion),” the statement reads.

“What led to my action was my misinterpretation of the revelations I received on a divine movement for sexual purity. 

“I have understood that for any program(s) to achieve sexual purity, it must of necessity be that which should build the church of Christ and should be accepted by her. And I can not be numbered among those fighting the Church.

“Hence; I, Rev. Ogbuchukwu Makuo Lotanna (Esq) hereby withdraw my humble self from propagation of the polygamy movement and plead with everyone (especially the over 200 persons that indicated interest for us to kick-start a Church, which I personally, never did) to jettison all I have said so far on this movement as I have backed off and I am fully back to my church and I have promised not to speak or work against the sound and godly doctrines of my Church.

“I have also withdrawn and deleted all the videos and messages I have preached or posted on the subject from all my social media handles and have closed all the channels.

“There are other programs for sexual purity the church will appreciate and be at home with, which will also help to build the society at large. I will henceforth be preoccupied with such programs to showcase my genuine intentions.

“I thank those who have handled my case with love, prayers and maturity, and apologize to those who may have been disappointed in me, deceived or offended by my action.”