LIARS IN CASSOCK: THE DANGER OF DECEPTION IN THE CHURCH

LIARS IN CASSOCK: THE DANGER OF DECEPTION IN THE CHURCH

Jerry Adesewo

Truth and integrity are fundamental to the Christian faith. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), leaving no room for falsehood in the lives of those who claim to follow Him. Yet, throughout history, deception has often found a home among God’s people, sometimes even within the Church.

It is deeply troubling to see men in cassocks—those who stand as supposed representatives of God—engaging in deceit, manipulating the truth for personal gain, power, or protection. But before we cast stones at today’s liars in cassocks, let us take a moment to examine one of the most revered patriarchs in Scripture: Abraham, a man of faith who, despite his righteousness, was caught in the web of a lie.

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Abraham’s Lie: A Dangerous Half-Truth

Abraham, the father of faith, is to this day celebrated for his unwavering belief in God’s promises. Yet, in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 20:1-18, we find a blemish on his otherwise remarkable journey of faith. Twice, Abraham lied about his wife, Sarah, claiming she was his sister. Out of fear for his own life, he allowed Pharaoh in Egypt and later King Abimelech in Gerar to take Sarah into their households.

Abraham’s deception was not an outright falsehood—Sarah was, in fact, his half-sister, the daughter of his uncle, Laban (Genesis 20:12). However, a half-truth that misleads is still a lie. His intent was clear: to save himself at the expense of truth. Though God intervened to protect Sarah, Abraham’s actions not only put his wife at risk but also nearly brought disaster upon the rulers who unknowingly took her.

This story holds a sobering lesson: if even a man of faith like Abraham could fall into deception, how much more should we be wary of the same temptation, especially within the Church?

The Modern-Day Abrahams

Today, the Church is plagued by men and women in clerical robes who, like Abraham, choose deception over trust in God. The difference, however, is that while Abraham’s lie was motivated by fear, many of today’s “Men of God”, or “God of Men” as I would prefer to call them, lie out of greed, ambition, and a thirst for power and fame.

We have pastors who fabricate testimonies to attract crowds. Some prophesy false visions to manipulate their congregations into giving more money. Others distort Scripture to justify their immoral actions. The cassock, meant to symbolise holiness and consecration, has become a disguise for deceit.

The tragedy is that these lies are often justified as “wisdom” or “strategy.” Just as Abraham rationalised his deception by saying, “There is surely no fear of God in this place” (Genesis 20:11), many modern preachers defend their falsehoods by claiming it is necessary to “win souls” or “advance the kingdom.” But can the kingdom of God be built on lies? Can a Church founded on deception ever truly bear the fruit of righteousness?

Faked Miracles of Failed Resurrections

Faked miracles have, unfortunately, become a troubling norm in some circles today. One particularly shocking incident that comes to mind occurred about a decade ago and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of deception. According to reports, a pastor in Anambra had conspired with a man who agreed to pretend to be dead so the pastor could “miraculously” bring him back to life during a church service. The plan was set in motion, and the congregation gathered to witness what they believed would be an extraordinary display of divine power.

However, things took a tragic turn when, upon opening the coffin, they discovered that the man had died for real. The so-called “miracle” turned into a horror scene as panic spread among the congregation. Some members of the church reportedly fled, while others confronted the pastor for his deception.

This incident drew widespread condemnation, with many religious leaders and social commentators criticizing the commercialization of miracles and the extent to which some pastors go to manipulate their followers.

Another particularly notorious incident occurred in South Africa in 2019, involving Pastor Alph Lukau of Alleluia Ministries International. The pastor claimed to have resurrected a man named Brighton Moyo, a spectacle that was later exposed as a fraudulent act. Tragically, Brighton Moyo, the man at the center of this scandal, passed away a few months later. Reports indicate that he suffered from a prolonged illness, and his death was confirmed in April 2019.

During a service, Pastor Lukau dramatically declared Moyo dead and subsequently commanded him to rise, to the astonishment of the congregation. Investigations revealed that the so-called resurrection was a premeditated act, orchestrated to deceive the public and enhance the pastor’s reputation. Funeral companies implicated in the event distanced themselves, stating they were manipulated into participating under pretenses.

The Consequences of Religious Lies

Abraham’s lie, though it seems small, almost led to the destruction of an entire kingdom. God appeared to Abimelech in a dream and warned him that he was “as good as dead” because he had taken another man’s wife (Genesis 20:3). Had Abimelech not heeded God’s warning, the consequences would have been dire.

Likewise, the lies told by our religious leaders today carry heavy consequences. When pastors lie about healings that never happened, they shatter the faith of those who believed them. When they deceive their congregations for financial gain, they drive people away from God rather than bringing them closer. When they cover up scandals instead of confessing and repenting, they weaken the moral fabric of the Church.

The Bible warns in Proverbs 19:9, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.” No matter how well-dressed the lie is, no matter how eloquent the deceiver, judgment will come.

A Call to Truth and Integrity 

The Church must return to a foundation of truth. Just as God called Abraham to walk before Him blamelessly (Genesis 17:1), so must our spiritual leaders of today walk in integrity.

Those who stand at the pulpit must resist the temptation to manipulate, exaggerate, or twist the truth. Congregations must hold their leaders accountable, ensuring that the men in cassocks are truly Men of God, not wolves in sheep’s clothing. As individuals, we must all commit to being people of truth, refusing to compromise even when deception seems like the easier path.

Abraham, despite his failure, was restored. He repented, grew in faith, and eventually became the father of many nations. Likewise, there is hope for those who have fallen into the sin of deception. But it requires genuine repentance and a return to the God of truth.

In the end, the Church cannot afford to be built on lies. We must choose the path of truth, for only then can we truly reflect the character of Christ, who is, and forever will be, “the way, the truth, and the life.”