If you go to Jerusalem, most items are sold by Muslims. There is even a mosque beside Wailing Wall-Cleric

The Presiding Prophet of Genesis Global Church, Israel Ogundipe, addressed the backlash that followed his recent visit to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia after images from the trip circulated on social media.

In a statement issued to The PUNCH on Monday, Ogundipe explained that the visit was not motivated by any intention to convert to another faith or to draw religious comparisons. He described the journey as one centered on understanding, humility, heritage, and shared humanity.

Responding to questions surrounding religious exploration, Israel Ogundipe argued that engaging with another faith should not be viewed as wrongdoing. He maintained that in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, the freedom of thought, belief, and religion is legally safeguarded.

He referenced the Human Rights Act 1998, noting that it incorporates provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly Article 9. According to him, the law guarantees every individual the right to hold, change, explore, or practise a belief, as well as the right not to believe at all.

He added, “If you go to Jerusalem, the Holy City of Christians, you will see that there is religious tolerance there, as most of the items being bought are sold by Muslims and there is even a mosque beside the Wailing Wall where many Christians assemble to pray. We need to embrace one another and stop stoking tension.”

In a reflective message, Israel Ogundipe — also known as Prophet Genesis — raised a rhetorical question about the value of seeking insight across religious boundaries.

He questioned whether it should be considered wrong to approach another faith with the intention of understanding rather than domination. He wondered why, in a world where people claim to pursue peace, love, and joy, sincere curiosity about other beliefs should attract criticism.

Ogundipe concluded by describing his pilgrimage as a deeply personal spiritual experience that underscored the need for empathy, mutual respect, and greater interfaith understanding in what he characterized as an increasingly divided global society…. Discover More