Omakwu’s sermon on divorce resurfaces as high-profile pastoral remarriages spark debate
By Anthonia Okonkwo
A previous sermon delivered by Pastor Sarah Omakwu has re-emerged online, igniting intense discussion across social media regarding the biblical standards of marriage and remarriage among prominent Christian leaders.
The renewed focus on her teaching follows the recent marriage of Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, the Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, who introduced his new wife, Pastor Mo Jasyme, to his congregation on Sunday, November 1.
During the sermon—titled Divorce & Remarriage from her Marriage Is Sweet series—the Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre in Abuja specifically cited well-known figures such as Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor William Kumuyi, and Bishop Chris Okonkwo to reinforce her stance.
She firmly asserted that divorce remains fundamentally wrong regardless of who commits it, insisting that even if she or any of the named religious leaders were to divorce, the biblical standard would not alter.
According to her interpretation of Christian Scripture, sexual immorality stands as the sole legitimate ground for divorce, meaning common challenges such as financial hardship, incompatibility, or in-law interference do not justify ending a union.
Furthermore, she urged single individuals to treat marital vows with utmost gravity, warning that no one should enter wedlock without a lifelong commitment to the principle of “till death do us part.”
Addressing the critical issue of domestic violence, Omakwu advised victims of physical abuse to leave dangerous environments immediately, though she advocated for separation and long-term counseling rather than immediate divorce, citing a lack of explicit biblical grounds for total dissolution.
Consequently, as high-profile pastors embark on second marriages, online commentators remain sharply divided, with critics questioning the practical application of her strict doctrine while supporters praise her unwavering defense of marital sacredness.
