Bishops under the aegis of the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy have disagreed with the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, over his warning that men should not marry women who cannot cook. Adeboye gave the warning while sharing marital guidelines for young men during the May edition of the Holy Ghost Service on Saturday, cautioning that marrying based solely on beauty or ignoring practical considerations could lead to what he described as a “deep trap.”
Citing Sarah and the Shunamite woman as biblical examples of hospitable cooks, Adeboye said, “Don’t marry a girl who cannot cook. We are talking of excellent counsel. Only I can tell you these things. Even if a prophet says this is your wife, if she can’t cook, say ‘Thank you, keep her.'”
The International Secretary of the Bishops, Archbishop Osazee William, disagreed with Adeboye’s position, describing it as an opinion rather than a scriptural standard. William said: “Is it scriptural for a man not to marry a woman who cannot cook? Even men can cook. This is not directly opposing the father of faith, who is a revered God’s general, but this is an opinion.”
The President of the International Fellowship of Ecumenical Ministries argued that cooking ability should not be used as a major yardstick for marriage, noting that character and values are more important. “What about a good cook that is a witch? What about a woman who can cook and becomes obsessed with cooking to the extent that she loses character? You can know how to cook and not be neat or hygienic. Man shall not live by bread alone. If a person does not know how to cook, the person can learn. You can even buy a cookery book. I think the yardstick for marrying is a good, godly and industrious character,” he said.
According to William, economic realities have also reshaped family roles, with some women serving as breadwinners and having limited time for domestic duties. “There are so many women who are breadwinners and do not have time to cook. You can be a good cook and all you know is cooking and nothing else. Men need more than delicious meals. Such a career woman only needs to employ a good cook,” he added.