Registration with CAN or PFN does not reduce Brotherhood’s spiritual authority – Olumba Obu
During the 2nd edition of the International Divine Vanguard Retreat 2026, the Holy Father of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Olumba Olumba Obu, declared that the organization transcends belonging to any traditional religious affiliation. This statement was made during a press briefing held at the Enerhen Pentecost Centre in Effurun, Delta State, where he was represented by Patriarch Christ Shepherd, who also oversees StarCross Television and the Brotherhood’s event management.
Olumba emphasized that the Brotherhood has progressed beyond conventional church categorizations—be it Roman Catholic, Orthodox, or Pentecostal. He referenced the teachings of Jesus on prayer, specifically the line about God’s kingdom coming to earth, indicating that the Brotherhood operates on the belief that this kingdom has already arrived. Thus, he suggested that it is more about other churches rising to join this spiritual kingdom rather than the Brotherhood conforming to existing church structures.
Osim articulated that the Brotherhood encompasses the entirety of creation as ordained by God, asserting that all churches are, in essence, part of the Brotherhood. He was clear that the organization’s activity does not hinge on registration with existing religious groups such as the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) or the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), although they would comply with government regulations as a law-abiding entity. He referenced the biblical concept of giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar to reinforce that such registration serves merely earthly purposes and does not reflect the spiritual essence or authority of the Brotherhood.
He made it clear that governmental affiliations or registrations do not undermine the Brotherhood’s unique spiritual identity as the Kingdom of God, holding a vantage point above all other systems. Osim stated that should the Brotherhood participate in events alongside other religious organizations, it should not be misconstrued as a sign of affiliation. Instead, involvement would be based on situational demands, affirming that their spiritual disposition remains intact.
In conclusion, the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star believes it has reached a spiritual pinnacle hitherto unmatched by traditional churches. The organization emphasizes a collective spiritual identity, viewing itself as a comprehensive representation of God’s creation that does not require conventional church validation to function. While open to complying with governmental regulations, it maintains that its spiritual authority is derived solely from God and not from affiliations with established religious frameworks.
