In a shocking revelation, the BBC in partnership with openDemocracy has exposed activities of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) while at least right former top tanking members of this ministry claimed to have witnessed or experienced physical, sexual and psychological abuse from the former boss of the Nigerian megachurch – SOAN, led by the late televangelist Temitope Balogun Joshua, commonly known as TB Joshua. The exposé exposes not only allegations of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse within SCOAN but also unveils a disturbing pattern where former top-ranking members of the church continue these abusive spiritual practices in ministries of their own.
According to the investigation, at least eight former high-ranking members of SCOAN have come forward, recounting instances of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse perpetrated by TB Joshua himself. These allegations cast a dark shadow over the legacy of one of Africa’s most influential Christian leaders, who passed away in 2021.
Following TB Joshua’s death, the investigation reveals that more than a dozen of his former disciples have established their own ministries, spreading some of the abusive spiritual practices witnessed within SCOAN. These offshoots, spanning from Lagos to London, Wales to Washington State, and Tampa, Florida, to Thessaloniki, Greece, collectively boast five million social media followers and over 194 million YouTube views. Despite leaving SCOAN, these leaders appear to replicate the religious and institutional infrastructure that made TB Joshua a global televangelist.
Former disciples who spoke to openDemocracy emphasize that these ministries pose a clear and present danger to churchgoers worldwide, equivalent to the ongoing operations of SCOAN. The legacy of spiritual abuse, as described by one former disciple, Rae Rencken-Holmes, remains prevalent, perpetuating destruction, turmoil, and pain.
When approached for comment, the ministries founded by TB Joshua’s former disciples defended their mentor, portraying him as a man of God facing unjust persecution. Charalambos Tsakonidis of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations Thessalonica, and Paul David of Christ Our Choice International Ministries denied allegations of abuse and expressed unwavering support for TB Joshua. The rift between accusers and defenders showcases the complexity of untangling a religious leader’s legacy.
TB Joshua’s rise to prominence was marked by his unique blend of West African Pentecostalism and American televangelism. Utilizing high-production media, he showcased supposed miracles, including healing HIV/AIDS and raising the dead, on his Emmanuel TV station. However, doubts about the authenticity of these miracles have persisted since the late 1990s, when investigations revealed questionable practices, including the creation of false medical reports to support healing claims.
While TB Joshua’s media empire played a crucial role in disseminating his spiritual messages, the investigation highlights the spread of misinformation and disinformation by his disciples. John Chi, a Cameroonian national who split from SCOAN in 2013, replicates the structure and practices of the mother church. His Ark of God TV broadcasts misinformation about illnesses, spreads conspiracy theories, and amplifies controversial claims, further tarnishing the legacy of TB Joshua.
The SCOAN scandal sheds light on the dark underbelly of a megachurch that once stood as a symbol of spiritual authority. The allegations of abuse within SCOAN and the replication of these practices in offshoot ministries underscore the challenges of holding influential religious figures accountable. As the investigation brings forth testimonies and evidence, it prompts a broader conversation about the responsibility of religious leaders, the potential harm of unchecked power, and the need for transparency within religious institutions.
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