By Adetutu Audu
The Celestial Church of Christ has condemned the recent appearance of its white garment in connection with the Big Brother Naija reality television show, describing the sacred vestment as an item of worship that must never be reduced to a costume for entertainment.
The Church’s position was contained in a statement responding to the incident, which it said had understandably generated deep concern among faithful members of the Church worldwide.
According to the statement, regardless of the intention behind the appearance, using the garment in a secular entertainment setting raises questions about reverence, spiritual identity, and the responsibility of believers to preserve the sanctity of what God has set apart for His service.
The Church explained that the white garment is not an item of fashion, a costume for public amusement, or a tool for attracting attention, but a sacred vestment ordained for worship, prayer, evangelism and the service of God.
It said every Celestian who wears the garment bears a solemn responsibility to uphold the holiness, dignity and spiritual heritage it represents, stressing that the Pastor Founder did not design the garment through personal knowledge but was guided by the Holy Spirit to draw out each garment given to the Church.
Tracing the origins of the vestment to the Church’s founding revelations, the statement said Celestial Church of Christ was established on divine principles emphasising holiness, purity, discipline and total separation unto God, of which the white garment remains a visible expression.
“The white garment is a visible expression of these divine principles. It is not merely an outward dress but a symbol of an inward commitment to righteousness and obedience. To wear it in settings that do not reflect these sacred values risks diminishing its spiritual significance and sending the wrong message to both members and the wider public,” the statement read.
Citing Scripture to buttress its position, the Church referenced Exodus 28:2, which states, “And thou shalt make holy garments… for glory and for beauty,” alongside 1 Peter 1:15–16, which admonishes believers to “be ye holy; for I am holy.”
It added that holiness is not confined to the place of worship but extends to every action, decision and public representation of the faith, and that those who wear garments dedicated to God’s service must do so with discernment and reverence.
The Church further called on its leadership, across all factions, to intensify teaching on the spiritual significance of the celestial garment, describing sound biblical instruction, consistent discipleship and faithful adherence to church ordinances as the strongest safeguards against actions that could unintentionally place the sacred in inappropriate settings.
It maintained that the Church had earned global respect through decades of devotion, prayer, evangelism and commitment to holiness, a legacy it said must not be compromised for publicity, entertainment or momentary social media attention.
“Our sacred heritage is far more valuable than temporary trends. The white garment is holy. The white garment is sacred. It belongs on the altar of worship, not on platforms where its spiritual meaning may be misunderstood, commercialized, or diminished,” the statement said.
The Church consequently urged its members to uphold the sanctity of the garment and protect the reputation of the institution.
“As custodians of this divine heritage, let every Celestian proudly uphold the sanctity of the garment, protect the reputation of the Church, and remain faithful to the calling of holiness. In doing so, we honour God, preserve the legacy handed down to us, and leave an enduring example for generations yet to come,” it added.
