Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), one of the fastest growing churches in the UK, owned by a Nigerian, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, was facing a financial probe over misapplication of funds in Britain.
THISDAY gathered that the Church which had an income of about oe7.4 million in 2001, was being investigated by the Charity Commission
When contacted, the spokeswoman of the church refused to comment on the issue, while some press men were not allow to worship at the church last Sunday as scores of security guards wearing black suits and ear pieces, patrolled the compound all through the service.
The commercial operation of KICC includes selling video tapes, music and books, and the church has 9.5 acre Hackney site, where the church is planning to build oe22 million complex, 10,000 seat church with a hotel inclusive.
Worshipers who are mostly Afro-Caribbean are encouraged to pray for wealth. Sermon delivered by Mr. Ashimolowo, a Nigerian converted from Islam, have titles such as "101 Answer to Money Problems "and sweatless wealth, and prayers are mostly focused on "ask the Lord to open your eye to that which shall be profitable"
When contacted, some members stressed that "it is part of our worship to pray for prosperity, that is the promise of God. It is also part of our worship to give money to churches. It is good to give money to churches and it can be used for sending food home to Africa".
The church was founded in 1986 by Ashimolowo, with a total membership of about 12,000. It runs services from televised preaching in Africa to an internet chartroom for singles.
More than 8,000 worshipers a week flock to services at the KICC.