Pastor Emmanuel Iren, founder and lead pastor of Celebration Church International, has raised concerns over what he described as the prevalence of pornography consumption among Christians.
Iren said about 50 per cent of Christians watch pornography, citing what he described as data while discussing the challenge posed by sexually explicit content within the Christian community.
The pastor’s comments were made in the context of a wider discussion about pornography, personal discipline and the challenges confronting Christians in an increasingly digital environment.
His claim has generated discussion over the prevalence of pornography consumption among churchgoers and the extent to which easy access to sexually explicit material through smartphones and social-media platforms has complicated efforts to address the issue.
Iren presented the figure as a warning to the Church, arguing that pornography should receive greater attention in conversations about Christian conduct and personal wellbeing.
However, the 50 per cent figure should be understood as a claim attributed to Iren rather than an independently established statistic. The source reviewed reports that he referred to “data” but does not establish the methodology, sample size or geographical scope behind the figure.
That distinction is particularly important when presenting statistics concerning sensitive social behaviour.
The pastor’s intervention nevertheless reflects a growing conversation among religious leaders about pornography, compulsive sexual behaviour and the impact of digital technology on young people.
The issue has also generated debate about whether religious institutions should focus primarily on moral teaching or expand their approach to include counselling, behavioural support and professional assistance for individuals struggling with compulsive behaviour.
Iren’s comments have therefore placed pornography back into public discussion, particularly within Christian circles, while raising questions about the evidence behind the specific figure he cited.