Pastor Emmanuel Iren has raised concerns over the growing influence of internet secrecy on immoral behaviour, saying anonymity online has made it easier for people to engage in hidden activities.
Iren made the remarks during the morning session of Day 2 of the Ownership Conference 2026, held from September 22 to 27, where he spoke on the need for Christians to embrace accountability.
The pastor claimed that 50 per cent of churchgoers watch pornography at least once every two weeks, stressing that secrecy has become a major factor encouraging such habits.
“Fifty percent of churchgoers view p%rn at least once every two weeks,” Iren said.
He urged attendees to look around at those sitting close to them, adding, “Statistically, one of them.”
According to Iren, the rise of internet access has contributed to increased immoral behaviour because people can now hide their actions behind digital privacy.
“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 explained that many people would avoid certain actions if they knew they were being watched by others.
“Just imagine the only screen in the whole of Johannesburg is this screen here, and if he has to watch porn%graphy, he has to come and watch it here in church. I hope you know he will stop instantly,” he said.
Iren said people often continue with harmful habits because they believe their actions are hidden from public view.
“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 added.
He argued that secrecy gives strength to behaviours people struggle to overcome, rather than the actions themselves being impossible to defeat.
“So what strengthens the sin? The sin is not strong. It is secrecy that has given it its power,” he said.
The pastor further encouraged Christians to build strong accountability systems, warning that avoiding accountability could lead people into deeper struggles.
“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,” he added.
Iren concluded by advising people to avoid creating hidden spaces where unhealthy behaviours can thrive.
“If there are aspects of your life that you can do in the dark, you have created an environment for sin,” he said.