There was drama at a church in Benin City, Edo State, after the lead pastor of Reclaimers Ministry, Evangelist Isaac Josiah, distributed bras, wrappers and other clothing items to female worshippers he considered “indecently dressed.”
A Facebook video from the September 14 service showed the cleric handing out the items to women he said came to church braless.
He explained that the decision was aimed at discouraging distractions during worship and promoting modesty among members.
“From today, any girl who enters this church and we see her nipple, we will give her a bra and say, ‘We have discovered that you can’t afford a bra. So, on behalf of the church, we give you this,’” Josiah told the congregation. “If we can’t change you in this church, look for another church. I want to make heaven.”
The pastor further instructed ushers to provide wrappers for women he felt exposed too much cleavage and pyjamas for those wearing mini-skirts.
He also warned male members against sagging trousers or exposing underwear in church, saying such conduct would no longer be tolerated.
He added that breastfeeding mothers would be shielded with wrappers if their chest area was not properly covered, stressing that the church was committed to “raising disciplined people.”
The unusual approach has since sparked reactions online, with many debating whether the pastor’s actions were a bold stance for decency or an excessive form of control within the church.
