22/07/2025
ZION MINISTRY: BETWEEN FIRE AND PRIDE.
A MESSAGE TO ZIONITES.
I’ve been watching silently for a long time, but the time has come to speak, not to condemn, but to correct, to guide. This is a message to Zion Prayer Movement Outreach and all who call themselves Zionites, a people of fire, but sometimes, a people of pride.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Zion Prayer Movement Outreach began over a decade ago, led by Evangelist Ebuka Obi. It came with Catholic flavor, rosary, hymns, Holy Mass, images of saints. And at first, many believed it was a Catholic prayer group. But the truth came out through Fr Kelvin Ugwu post: it was never officially recognized by the Catholic Church. Not by the Archdiocese of Lagos, not by the Nigerian Bishops’ Conference.
In fact, the Archdiocese of Lagos made it clear: Zion is NOT a recognized Catholic body. Why? Because it invited priests without proper approval, conducted Mass behind the back of the Archbishop, and claimed Catholic identity without submitting to Church authority.
That’s the beginning of the crisis.
Then came the claims of massive miracles. Legs healings, sicknesses disappearing, spiritual arrests. But soon, allegations rose: “arranged miracles,” “fabricated testimonies,” “emotional manipulation.” A popular blogger even accused the ministry of staging it all.
Let me be honest: I believe in miracles. I’m Catholic. We know the God of the impossible. But when the spotlight is always on the preacher and not the sacraments, when healing overshadows holiness, when drama replaces doctrines, something is off.
Zion, this is the crossroads you now stand at. Show or substance? Stage or sacrifice? Fame or faith?
ZIONITES, COOL DOWN SMALL
To the members of Zion: You are zealous. That’s beautiful. You are passionate. We admire it. But some of you are also too defensive, too aggressive, too proud. Excessive of anything is detrimental.
Whenever anyone speaks against Zion, some of you launch attacks. Many of you insult priests, mock bishops, and abuse fellow Catholics. That’s not fire of the Holy Spirit. That’s arrogance mixed with confusion.
Your devotion is impressive, but remember: the Holy Spirit does not foster confusion or chaos. He builds up the Body of Christ, not heroic founders, not celebrity preachers. If you keep attacking priests, resisting authority, you reinforce the bishops’ warnings and betray trust.
Some of you claim you’re “fighting for the man of God,” but you’re fighting the Body of Christ. You don’t win souls by abusing others. Even The Lord’s Chosen, a group I personally disagree with. I still respect their members, because no matter what you say about them or their pastor, they won’t attack you.
Zionites, learn from that. Fire without control becomes destruction.
DO YOU WANT TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A CATHOLIC GROUP? THEN DO THIS.
If Zion really wants to be recognized officially as a Catholic prayer ministry, the process is clear and sacred:
Submit fully to the diocesan bishop, not in word, but in obedience.
Respect Catholic liturgy and teachings, no manipulation, no sensationalism.
Let priests celebrate sacraments only with approval, not behind the back of the Church.
Root your ministry in the Sacraments. Catholicism is not a show. It is a sacrificial life built on Scripture, tradition, and authority.
The Catholic Church doesn’t reject you, it just demands order and obedience. Because obedience is greater than sacrifice.
A CALL TO HUMILITY, NOT HYPE
You don’t have to fight everyone to prove your anointing. You don’t need to insult priests to defend your prophet. Even if they write or preach against you, you don’t have to react. Sometimes, not reacting is the most powerful response.
Let your fruits speak. Let your conduct speak. Let your peace speak. This is not a war. It is a call. A call to repentance and reform.
Zionites, if You don’t agree with a post? Don’t read it. You feel offended? Pray about it. You believe in your movement? Let your fruits speak for you, not your Facebook fights and TikTok tantrums.
Jesus said, “By their fruits, you shall know them” not by their followers, or fame, or fire.
We are in a dangerous time. The line between truth and emotionalism is getting blurry. We need ministries that build the Church, not break it. We need members that unite, not divide. We need leaders that submit, not compete.
Zion Ministry, your time is now. You can become a blessing or a burden. You can heal the Body or hurt it. Choose wisely.
If you return to the path of the Catholic Church, rooted in humility and obedience, Zion can become a true revival within the Catholic Church, not a breakaway movement outside it.
Let’s restore reverence, order, and unity in the Church. If you truly carry fire, let it be fire that purifies, not fire that burns bridges.
Zion Prayer Movement Outreach can become a bridge, not a barrier. But that only happens when you choose humility over hype. Obedience over outrage. Truth over theatrics.
This is not about enemies, it’s about a unified Catholic witness in Nigeria. Now is your chance to show maturity, respect, and spiritual depth. Let’s do this right.
If you're a Zionite who sees this, don’t become defensive be introspective. Share your own story: peaceful, humble, obedient service is the quickest way to secure your place as a legitimate Catholic prayer group.
If you're Catholic, let’s model Christian restraint. Let’s bridge gaps, not deepen them.
Whether you are a Zionite or not, I love you all. This message comes not from hate, but from hope.
The fire you carry is not the problem. The direction of the fire is. Let it light hearts, not fuel arguments.
Rev fr Prince Chidi Philip
