The Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN) has strongly contested the recent BBC documentary that accused its founder, the late Temitope Babatunde Joshua (TB Joshua), of various crimes, including rape against some members.
In a statement signed by its Public Affairs Director, Mr Dare Adejumo, SCOAN labeled the documentary as unfounded and stated that the individuals interviewed in the report were unknown to the church.
The church expressed dissatisfaction with the investigative unit of BBC World Service, called Africa Eye, for what it deemed a departure from the ethics and fundamental principles of journalism.
SCOAN contended that journalism, as a societal watchdog, requires fairness, balancing, and objectivity, and accused the BBC of compromising these principles to serve a destructive ulterior motive.
The statement criticized the BBC for deviating from true journalism and engaging in what it called fictional narratives and propaganda, portraying the broadcaster as a tool for a hatchet job with a personal agenda against a perceived enemy.
SCOAN defended TB Joshua’s legacy, emphasizing that the documented miracles and restored destinies of individuals who benefited from his ministry were undeniable.
The church questioned the credibility of the documentary, pointing out that BBC’s investigative eyes failed to acknowledge the positive impact of TB Joshua’s work, including reconciling broken homes and restoring hope to countless individuals worldwide.
SCOAN accused the BBC of compromising journalistic integrity by relying on disgruntled and manipulated individuals, some of whom were allegedly never associated with the church.
The statement also challenged the BBC’s claim that TB Joshua was involved in abuse for over two decades, questioning the sudden awakening of the interviewees and their timing.
SCOAN dismissed the documentary as illogical, incomprehensible, and malicious, suggesting that the sponsors might be envious of the continued growth of the church.
In conclusion, the church condemned the report and called for God’s forgiveness for the sponsors, emphasizing that the persecution of divine envoys or servants of God was not a new phenomenon in history.
