Pastor Emmanuel Iren has warned that secrecy and internet anonymity are giving room for immoral acts, claiming that half of churchgoers watch pornography at least once every two weeks.
Iren made the claim during the morning session of Day 2 of the Ownership Conference 2026, held from September 22 to 27.
“Fifty percent of churchgoers view porn at least once every two weeks,” Iren said.
He asked those present to look at the person beside them before adding, “Statistically, one of them.”
Iren said internet anonymity had played a role in the rise in immoral behaviour.
“One of the things that created a spike in immorality was the anonymity that the internet gave,” he said.
Using pornography as an example, the pastor said some struggles may be easier to overcome when people are held accountable.
“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.
He added, “There is something about us. Even the things we are struggling with, when we know that people are watching, we will not do it.”
Iren said secrecy gives sin its strength.
“So what strengthens the sin? The sin is not strong. It is secrecy that has given it its power,” he said.
“One of the major things that a Christian needs is accountability,” he said.
He warned, “If there are aspects of your life that you can do in the dark, you have created an environment for sin,” he added.
