Arte reveals “Gurus, a lucrative business”: controversy over televangelists
Beginning March 2025Arte broadcast a controversial documentary entitled ” Gurus, a lucrative business“, Highlighting the financial practices of certain evangelical leaders world -renowned. This investigation raises questions about thefinancial ethics of mega-church and the personal enrichment of their leaders.
Central figures of the documentary
The report focuses on several influential personalities from the evangelical world:
- TD Jakesmultimillionaire American pastor and former Barack Obama advisor
- VALDEMIRO SANTIAGOBrazilian leader of the World Church of the Power of God
- Adnan oktarcontroversial Turkish preacher
Reactions and debates
This broadcast on televangelists has sparked altogether debates within the Evangelical Christian Community on the balance between material prosperity and biblical lessons. The UNADFI (National Union of Family Defense Associations and the individual victims of sects) reports an increase in complaints against certain evangelical churches in France, in particular for allegations of financial abuses.
Impact and availability
The documentary will remain accessible in replay on Arte.tv Until August 31, 2025, allowing wide dissemination and discussion around these issues. This survey is part of a growing tendency of questioning the financial transparency of religious organizations.
