Pastor William Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), has been invited to attend Donald Trump’s second and final inauguration as President of the United States on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
During his visit, Pastor Kumuyi is set to participate in significant engagements, including discussions with members of Congress, American church leaders, and media representatives. Reflecting on the invitation, Kumuyi commended President Trump’s advocacy for Christian values.
“President Trump’s stand for the gospel is not without recognition, not just by American Christians, but all Christians globally,” Kumuyi said, highlighting Trump’s prior initiatives, such as the groundbreaking meeting of foreign ministers on international religious freedom during his first term.
Addressing the global significance of the event, Kumuyi remarked, “This moment in history reminds us that faith transcends borders and unites believers worldwide. As we gather in Washington, D.C., the global church stands together in prayer and purpose, advocating for faith-based dialogue to shape policies that uphold religious liberty and foster the growth of Christianity worldwide.”
Accompanied by his wife, Esther, Pastor Kumuyi emphasized the need for Christians to adapt their strategies in spreading the gospel. Speaking to his congregation recently, he urged believers to collaborate with influential leaders for the advancement of the Christian mission.
“We cannot continue to do things in the same way and expect better results. We need to interact with the gatekeepers to further spread the gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,” Kumuyi stated.
Recall that renowned gospel artiste Nathaniel Bassey is also scheduled to minister at the United States Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast, a non-official, faith-based gathering on January 20, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Bassey described the event as a significant tradition, occurring every four years before the inauguration ceremony. “The Presidential Prayer Breakfast is a non-official and non-governmental event. It is a Faith Based platform where intercessory prayers and worship are offered to God on behalf of the office of the president and government of the nation,” he wrote on X account.
Highlighting its global appeal, Bassey added, “This event is held once in four years preceding the inauguration ceremony as a breakfast prayer meeting ahead of every new administration. And over the years it has been attended by leaders and dignitaries from around the world.”
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
