03/10/2026
REV. EMF OSHOFFA AND THE CCC NEW YORK PARISH CRISIS
It has become that the Pastor Rev EMF Oshoffa had returned back to the United States of America while the ongoing crisis surrounding Celestial Church of Christ parish in New York, Archdiocese USA has continued to attract attention in the church, with members and stakeholders awaiting a final resolution from the leadership of the Church. With Rev. EMF Oshoffa expected to return to France in some days, concerns have been raised over the need to address the situation decisively before his departure from the United States.
One of the major issues requiring the urgent attention of the Pastor is the prolonged disagreement at the parish, which has reportedly involved the Parochial Committee and the Elders’ Council and the Shepherd. The dispute has generated different interpretations regarding the administration and control of the parish, as well as the authority of the Pastor in making decisions concerning the leadership and affairs of the parish.
According to the position attributed to the Parochial Committee, pronouncements and decisions made by the Pastor regarding the removal or replacement of the Shepherd should be respected as part of the authority vested in the Church’s leadership. However, the Elders’ Council is reported to have maintained a different position, particularly concerning whether the Pastor has the authority to remove the Shepherd without following other established procedures.
The disagreement has reportedly resulted in competing interpretations of church policies and documents. The Parochial Committee has relied on documents which it says support its position, while the Elders’ Council has also advanced arguments regarding the proper procedures that should govern the administration of the parish.
Among the documents reportedly circulated in connection with the dispute is an official statement running into about 12 pages, said to contain an account of events surrounding the crisis and the position of the Parochial Committee. The document reportedly seeks to explain the circumstances surrounding the disagreement and respond to various claims that have emerged during the dispute. Such documents, however, should be carefully examined and their contents independently verified before being treated as official Church positions.
The matter has also reportedly had a legal dimension, with members of the Elders’ Council taking the dispute to court in relation to the leadership of the parish. The development has added another layer to an already complicated situation and has made a comprehensive resolution even more important.
At this stage, what appears increasingly necessary is not another round of accusations or counter-accusations, but a structured and meaningful engagement involving all the principal parties. The Pastor, the Parochial Committee, the Elders’ Council, the Shepherd and other relevant stakeholders could use such an opportunity to present their respective positions, examine the available documents and establish a mutually acceptable path forward.
There is therefore an urgent appeal to Rev. EMF Oshoffa to consider facilitating a peace treaty or comprehensive reconciliation process before leaving the United States of America. Such an engagement could provide an opportunity for all sides to speak, listen to one another and work towards a settlement that will protect the unity and spiritual interests of the parish.
The concern among many observers is that if the Pastor leaves the United States without addressing the underlying issues, the existing disagreement could continue and potentially create further divisions within the parish. A temporary silence should not be mistaken for a permanent resolution; the issues surrounding authority, administration and reconciliation would still require attention.
For a church that places strong emphasis on peace, reconciliation and spiritual unity, the New York situation presents an opportunity for leadership to demonstrate the importance of dialogue. “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
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