Synagogue Church of All Nations

{{Short description|Christian Church in Lagos, Nigeria}}
{{use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox church
| name = Synagogue Church Of All Nations
| image = Synagogue-Church of all Nations.jpg
| caption = The Synagogue Church of All Nations
| location = [[Lagos, Nigeria]]
| denomination = [[Non-denominational Christianity|Non-denominational]], [[Charismatic Christianity|Charismatic]]
| attendance = 50,000
| founded date = 1987
| founder = [[T.B. Joshua]]
| seniorpastor = [[Evelyn Joshua]]
| country = Nigeria
| website = {{URL|http://www.scoan.org}}
}}

The '''Synagogue Church Of All Nations''' ('''SCOAN''') is a  [[Charismatic Christianity|charismatic]] [[Christianity|Christian]] [[megachurch]] located in Lagos, Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite news| title = TB Joshua Ranked Among Most Famous Prophets In History| url = http://africantraveltimes.com/2016/03/22/tb-joshua-ranked-among-most-famous-prophets-in-history/| work = African Travel Times| date = 2016-03-22| access-date = 2019-08-02| archive-date = 2016-04-15| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160415141537/http://africantraveltimes.com/2016/03/22/tb-joshua-ranked-among-most-famous-prophets-in-history/| url-status = live}}</ref>

The church is most associated with its founder [[T. B. Joshua]]. The [[BBC]] reported evidence of widespread abuse and torture by Joshua,<ref name="northcott 1">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67749215 |title=TB Joshua: Megachurch leader raped and tortured worshippers, BBC finds |last1=Northcott |first1=Charlie |last2=Spooner |first2=Helen |date=7 January 2024 |publisher=BBC News, Africa Eye |access-date=8 January 2024 |archive-date=8 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108003235/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67749215 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="northcott 2">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-67861976 |title=TB Joshua: 'We thought it was heaven but then terrible things happened' |last1=Northcott |first1=Charlie |last2=Spooner |first2=Helen |date=7 January 2024 |publisher=BBC News, Africa Eye |access-date=8 January 2024 |archive-date=8 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108003251/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-67861976 |url-status=live }}</ref> who died in 2021.

== History ==

[[T. B. Joshua]] wrote that in a heavenly vision he received 'divine anointing' and a covenant from God to start his ministry in 1987.<ref> Pieter Coertzen, M Christiaan Green, Len Hansen, ''Law and Religion in Africa: The quest for the common good in pluralistic societies'', African Sun Media, South Africa, 2015, p. 311</ref> The church started with eight members, but has since become one of Nigeria's most influential churches, attracting over 50,000 people<ref>{{Cite news | title = Celebrity Priests | url = http://www.economist.com/node/21558298 | newspaper = The Economist | date = 2012-07-07 | access-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-date = 2018-06-12 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135759/https://www.economist.com/node/21558298 | url-status = live }}</ref> to its weekly Sunday services at the headquarters in Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos. Joshua, the church's founder and senior Pastor, died in June 2021 shortly after leaving an ongoing service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/06/africa/tb-joshua-dies-synagogue-intl/?hpt=ob_blogfooterold |title=Nigerian megachurch preacher dies after church program |author=Nimi Princewill |publisher=CNN |date=June 6, 2021 |access-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607154355/https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/06/africa/tb-joshua-dies-synagogue-intl/?hpt=ob_blogfooterold |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|2024}}, the church is led by Joshua's widow, Evelyn.<ref name="northcott 2"/>

== Religious tourism ==
SCOAN is especially known for the huge number of foreign visitors it attracts with ''[[The Guardian]]'' reporting the church receives more weekly attendees than the combined number of visitors to [[Buckingham Palace]] and the [[Tower of London]].<ref>{{Cite news | first = Monica | last = Mark | title = Lagos Businesses Cash In On Lure Of Super Pastor TB Joshua | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/01/lagos-businesses-superpastor-joshua | work = The Guardian (UK) | date = 2013-09-01 | access-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120635/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/01/lagos-businesses-superpastor-joshua | url-status = live }}</ref> ''This Day'' newspapers reported that "about two million local and inbound tourists" visit SCOAN annually.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Nigeria: Tourism Expert Calls for Restoration of Tourism Ministry | url = http://allafrica.com/stories/201603040690.html | work = This Day (Nigeria) | date = 2016-03-04 | access-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-date = 2016-04-15 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160415205841/http://allafrica.com/stories/201603040690.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

It has been described as "Nigeria's biggest tourist attraction"<ref>{{Cite news | title = Synagogue Impasse: Hoteliers, Others Groan | url = http://newtelegraphonline.com/synagogue-impasse-hoteliers-others-groan/ | work = New Telegraph (Nigeria) | date = 2016-03-05 | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160421211508/http://newtelegraphonline.com/synagogue-impasse-hoteliers-others-groan/ | archivedate = 2016-04-21 }}</ref> and "the most visited destination by religious tourists in West Africa".<ref>{{Cite news | first = Sola | last = Ojewusi | title = TB Joshua And The Synagogue Tragedy, Another Perspective | url = http://www.authorityngr.com/2016/03/TB-Joshua-and-the-Synagogue-tragedy-another-perspective/ | work = The Authority (Nigeria) | date = 2016-03-26 | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160817065442/http://www.authorityngr.com/2016/03/TB-Joshua-and-the-Synagogue-tragedy-another-perspective/ | archivedate = 2016-08-17 }}</ref> Figures released by the Nigerian Immigration Service indicated that six out of every ten foreign travellers coming into Nigeria are bound for SCOAN.<ref>{{Cite news| title = Foreigners Flock To Nigeria For TB Joshua's Birthday| url = http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/27590/64/boko-who-foreigners-flock-to-nigeria-for-tb-joshua.html| work = Nigeria Films| date = 2014-06-12| url-status = dead| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160416200310/http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/27590/64/boko-who-foreigners-flock-to-nigeria-for-tb-joshua.html| archive-date = 2016-04-16}}</ref>

SCOAN's contribution to Nigeria's religious tourism was highlighted<ref>{{Cite news | first = Unathi | last = Henama | title = TB Joshua emigrating to Israel: Lessons for South Africa on religious tourism | url = https://www.thecable.ng/tb-joshua-emigrating-israel-lessons-south-africa-religious-tourism | work = The Cable (Nigeria) | date = 2017-05-09 | access-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120633/https://www.thecable.ng/tb-joshua-emigrating-israel-lessons-south-africa-religious-tourism | url-status = live }}</ref> when the cleric hinted at the possibility of relocating his ministry to Israel during a Sunday service.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Chris | last = Irekamba | title = Synagogue church going to Israel: What residents, neighbours say | url = https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/synagogue-church-going-to-israel-what-residents-neighbours-say/ | work = The Guardian (Nigeria) | date = 2017-06-11 | access-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120630/https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/synagogue-church-going-to-israel-what-residents-neighbours-say/ | url-status = live }}</ref> The announcement proved controversial; several prominent Nigerians<ref>{{Cite news | first = Wale | last = Odunsi | title = TB Joshua's Relocation To Israel: Cardinal Okojie, Balarabe Musa React | url = http://dailypost.ng/2017/06/09/tb-joshuas-relocation-israel-cardinal-okojie-balarabe-musa-react/ | work = Daily Post (Nigeria) | date = 2017-06-09 | access-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120657/https://dailypost.ng/2017/06/09/tb-joshuas-relocation-israel-cardinal-okojie-balarabe-musa-react/ | url-status = live }}</ref> urged him to remain in the country, citing the economic setbacks<ref>{{Cite news | title = Beg Him Or Nigeria'll Lose Billions If TB Joshua relocates – Experts Tell FG, Ambode | url = http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/beg-nigeriall-lose-billions-tb-joshua-relocates-experts-tell-fg-ambode/ | work = Vanguard (Nigeria) | date = 2017-05-14 | access-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120641/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/beg-nigeriall-lose-billions-tb-joshua-relocates-experts-tell-fg-ambode/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Nigeria would probably experience if he moved out of the country. The church's popular services have significantly helped local businesses and hoteliers.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Nonye | last = Ben-Nwankwo | title = TB Joshua's Neighbours Convert Homes To Hotels | url = http://www.punchng.com/feature/super-saturday/tb-joshuas-neighbours-convert-homes-to-hotels/ | work = The Punch (Nigeria) | date = 2013-08-17 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222172909/http://www.punchng.com/feature/super-saturday/tb-joshuas-neighbours-convert-homes-to-hotels/ | archive-date = 2014-02-22 }}</ref>

In 2014, a guesthouse for SCOAN pilgrims collapsed, killing at least 116 people.<ref name="northcott 1"/>

== Faith healing ==
{{See|Faith healing}}
SCOAN claims regular occurrences of divine miracles.<ref name=Zambianeye>{{Cite news | title = TB Joshua now releases videos of his early days miracles | url = http://zambianeye.com/archives/1728 | work = Zambian Eye | date = 2012-10-23 | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140810120518/http://zambianeye.com/archives/1728 | archivedate = 2014-08-10 }}</ref> It has published numerous videos claiming to document the healing of incurable disabilities and illnesses such as HIV/AIDS,<ref name=NigeriaFilms>{{Cite news | title = Prophet TB Joshua Heals A Man Who Has AIDS | url = http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/25317/64/prophet-tb-joshua-heals-a-man-who-has-aids.html | work = Nigeria Films | date = 2014-02-02 | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140729160522/http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/25317/64/prophet-tb-joshua-heals-a-man-who-has-aids.html | archivedate = 2014-07-29 }}</ref><ref name=harare24>{{Cite news | title = People 'healed' of HIV-AIDS after visiting Nigerian Prophet TB Joshua | url = https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-religion-byo-12869-article-people+%27healed%27+of+hiv-aids+after+visiting+nigerian+prophet+tb+joshua.html| work =Bulawayo24 News| date = 5 March 2012 | archive-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120638/http://harare24.com/index-id-news-zk-12869.html | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=theremnant>{{Cite news | title = Prophet T.B.Joshua & The Synagogue | url = http://www.theremnant.com/08-02-01.html | work = The Remnant | date = 2008-02-01 | access-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120632/http://www.theremnant.com/08-02-01.html | url-status = live }}</ref> blindness<ref>{{Cite news | first = Stoyan | last = Zaimov | title = Blind Man Shouts 'I Can See!' at Controversial Pastor TB Joshua's Healing Service | url = https://www.christianpost.com/news/blind-man-shouts-i-can-see-at-controversial-pastor-tb-joshuas-healing-service-180264/ | work = Christian Post | date = 2017-04-12 | access-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120633/https://www.christianpost.com/news/blind-man-shouts-i-can-see-at-controversial-pastor-tb-joshuas-healing-service-180264/ | url-status = live }}</ref> and open wounds.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Stoyan | last = Zaimov | title = Jesus shoots protruded anus back to place says TB Joshua Ministries | url = https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/photos-jesus-shoots-protruded-anus-back-place-says-tb-joshua-ministries/ | work = Vanguard (Nigeria) | date = 2017-05-14 | access-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120631/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/photos-jesus-shoots-protruded-anus-back-place-says-tb-joshua-ministries/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
Spiritual healing at SCOAN has been the subject of several media reports, including a mention in ''[[Time Magazine]]'',<ref>{{Cite news| first = Jeffrey| last = Kluger| title = Spiritual Healing Around The World| url = http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1878443_1842216,00.html| work = Time Magazine| date = 2009-02-12| access-date = 2019-08-02| archive-date = 2013-08-03| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130803025639/http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1878443_1842216,00.html| url-status = dead}}</ref> an ''[[Associated Press]]'' interview<ref>{{cite news| first = Carley| last = Petesch| title = Nigeria Preacher: Healer Or Controversial Leader| url = http://bigstory.ap.org/article/nigeria-preacher-healer-or-controversial-leader| agency = Associated Press| date = 2014-04-19| access-date = 2019-08-02| archive-date = 2014-05-02| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032709/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/nigeria-preacher-healer-or-controversial-leader| url-status = live}}</ref> and an article by ''[[Foreign Policy]]''.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Rowan Moore| last = Getty| title = Only The Synagogue Can Save You| url = https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/04/25/synagogue_spiritual_hospital_nigeria_disease_healing| work = Foreign Policy| date = 2014-04-25| access-date = 2019-08-02| archive-date = 2014-05-14| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140514220152/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/04/25/synagogue_spiritual_hospital_nigeria_disease_healing| url-status = live}}</ref>

In 2024, the [[BBC]] published claims by Agomoh Paul, a former high-ranking member of SCOAN, that the supposed healings were fake. Paul alleged he had personally been in charge of overseeing that process.<ref name="northcott 2"/>

== Television ==
The church's weekly services are broadcast live on [[Emmanuel TV]] as well as on SCOAN's social media platforms.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Helen | last = Baker | title = Emmanuel TV: Celebrating A Decade Of Blessings | url = http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/03/08/emmanuel-tv-celebrating-a-decade-of-blessings-by-helen-baker/ | work = PM News (Nigeria) | date = 2016-08-03 | access-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-date = 2019-08-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120641/https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/03/08/emmanuel-tv-celebrating-a-decade-of-blessings-by-helen-baker/ | url-status = live }}</ref> SCOAN is particularly popular on social media, with 1.4{{nbsp}}million [[YouTube]] subscribers and 3.5{{nbsp}}million [[Facebook]] followers.

== Controversy ==
SCOAN has been the subject of allegations concerning its late founder, TB Joshua, who died in 2021. The [[BBC News|BBC]] conducted an investigation that revealed claims of misconduct within the church, including allegations of rape, forced abortions, physical violence, and misleading "miracle healings" over a nearly two-decade period within a secretive Lagos compound. Several former members, including five individuals from the UK, came forward with their testimonies. While the church did not provide a response to these allegations, it has previously denied similar claims.

Despite [[T. B. Joshua#Criticism and controversy|some controversies during his lifetime]], TB Joshua had a global following, including political leaders and celebrities. The investigation marked the first time that former church insiders had openly shared their experiences, which they had previously been reluctant to discuss. SCOAN continues to operate under the leadership of TB Joshua's widow, Evelyn.<ref name="northcott 1"/>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official|https://www.scoan.org/}}

{{portal bar|Christianity|Nigeria|Evangelical Christianity}}
{{Megachurches}}
{{coord|6.54698|3.27297|type:edu_globe:earth_region:NG|display=title}}


[[Category:Christian organizations based in Nigeria]]
[[Category:Christianity in Lagos]]
[[Category:Evangelical megachurches in Nigeria]]
[[Category:Religious organizations based in Lagos]]
[[Category:1987 establishments in Nigeria]]
[[Category:Churches in Lagos]]
[[Category:Pentecostal churches in Nigeria]]