Pastor Emmanuel Iren Claims 50% of Churchgoers View Pornography Every Two Weeks

Pastor Emmanuel Iren has claimed that 50 per cent of churchgoers view pornography at least once every two weeks, blaming internet anonymity and secrecy for contributing to immoral behaviour.

Iren made the claim during the morning session of Day 2 of the Ownership Conference 2026, held from September 22 to 27.

“Fifty per cent of churchgoers view porn at least once every two weeks,” he said.

The pastor then asked those listening to look at the people sitting beside them, suggesting that statistically, one of them could be watching pornography.

“One of the things that created a spike in immorality was the anonymity that the internet gave,” he said.

Iren argued that some of the behaviours people struggle with may become easier to overcome when secrecy is removed. He used pornography as an example, asking his audience to imagine a situation where someone had to watch it publicly in a church.

“Just imagine the only screen in the whole of Johannesburg is this screen here, and if he has to watch pornography, he has to come and watch it here in church. I hope you know he will stop instantly,” he said.

According to Iren, the fear of being seen can influence people’s behaviour, even when they are struggling privately with certain habits.

“There is something about us. Even the things we are struggling with, when we know that people are watching, we will not do it,” he added.

He further argued that secrecy can strengthen harmful behaviour, saying, “So what strengthens the sin? The sin is not strong. It is secrecy that has given it its power.”

The pastor also stressed the importance of accountability in the Christian life, warning that deliberately keeping certain areas of one’s life hidden could create an environment where harmful behaviour thrives.

“One of the major things that a Christian needs is accountability,” he said.

“The moment you find yourself struggling with accountability, you are already on the way. Even if you have not sinned yet,” Iren added.

He concluded by warning against creating private spaces where actions can be carried out without accountability.

“If there are aspects of your life that you can do in the dark, you have created an environment for sin,” he said.