The Church’s response to pornography in South Africa

A monthly column aiming to open eyes and free lives from the damaging effects of porn, brought to you by the team from The Naked Truth. The UK charity, now in South Africa, works internationally to change lives and minds through awareness, education and recovery, guided by the mission of Isaiah 40. That we would “level mountains and lift valley’s to reveal Jesus.”

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

By Ian Henderson and Sheralyn Cloete

Welcome to this third installment of our column talking about porn. In our first month, we explored how pornography has become an urgent crisis in South Africa and globally, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and the Church. This month, our focus turns to the Church.

Does the Church have a role?

When Naked Truth began in 2014, its mission to open eyes and free lives from the damaging effects of pornography faced significant resistance in churches. Church leaders avoided the subject; it was taboo to mention ‘the P word’ in churches. On the flip side, society largely viewed pornography as harmless entertainment. But over the past decade, society’s perception has shifted. 17 US states have passed resolutions declaring pornography a public health crisis. Peer-reviewed studies highlight its detrimental effects on brain development, mental health, and relationships. Activists and journalists have exposed exploitation and abuse within the pornography industry, prompting some nations to regulate violent content and protect minors from accessing it.

Society seems to be waking up to the porn problem. But has the Church kept pace?

Society seems to be waking up to the porn problem. But has the church kept pace? Christian neuroscientists and educators have been instrumental in raising awareness, but many churches still avoid the topic. A 2024 report reveals that only one in 10 US churches offer support for those struggling with pornography. In South Africa, the number is likely even smaller. Silence remains the norm, but it’s time for the Church to break it.

Our DNA to restore brokenness and bring hope

Addressing pornography aligns with the Church’s mission: to be a light in the darkness, salt of the earth, and agents of God’s redemptive work. From Genesis, where God’s children are called to bless the nations (Genesis 12), breathe life into the broken (Ezekiel 37), and be a light shining on a hill (Matthew 5) the Church has always been called to restore and heal.

The global Church, and the South African Church, has a legacy of leadership in health, education, and justice. While imperfect, this legacy calls us to confront cultural issues, no matter how uncomfortable, and pioneer solutions reflecting God’s heart. Tackling pornography is no exception.

The Church as a beacon of healing

Our communities and churches are filled with people silently struggling with pornography. The Church’s silence can feel like condemnation, reinforcing the belief that this issue is beyond hope. But the Gospel proclaims freedom for the captives and good news to the powerless. We must bring this issue into the light so that those hiding in shame know they are not alone and that healing is possible.

Steps a Church can take:

1. Commit to praying for freedom

Leadership and churches must bathe this issue in prayer. God sees all the individuals affected by pornography — both those trapped in it and those hurt by its consequences. Ask for wisdom, courage, and compassion as you address this topic. Pray for those stuck in silence and for the Church to be a place of healing and restoration. Through prayer, we can align our efforts with God’s heart for the broken and desperate.

2. Get equipped

Pastors often feel ill equipped and church leaders need training to address this issue effectively. Naked Truth Project offers free church membership, which provides access to invaluable resources and tools to equip leaders. There is an app full of training as well as frequent webinars. Additionally, Naked Truth will be hosting sponsored in-person training in Cape Town on March 20 to further support and empower church leaders in tackling this issue. We would welcome you and anyone interested in this topic to attend. There is help for church leaders.

3. Begin the conversation

Starting a conversation about pornography is a crucial first step. By addressing it openly, you begin to create a safe space for honesty. Consider revisiting our January Column on Proverbs 4 as a foundation for a sermon or small group conversation.. When we with grace and truth, you show your congregation that this is something the church can tackle together. Little by little, you can foster an environment where individuals feel safe to confess and seek help.

4. Respond with compassion

When someone comes to you for help, respond with empathy and understanding: “This is a common struggle. God has more for you, and we’ll walk this path together.” Acknowledge the courage it takes to open up — this is a monumental step in their healing journey. Don’t rush the process of recovery; instead, offer a steady presence. Follow up not just with the individual, but with their spouse.

5. Provide practical tools

Equip individuals with resources like accountability software, recovery groups, and counseling. practical tools empower individuals to take their first steps toward freedom. Through Naked Truth’s free Church Membership, leaders can access a facilitator’s guide for our Ctrl-Alt-Del course. The guide has questions, Scriptures, and prayer prompts to help facilitate discussion. Although the course can be done by users alone, doing it alongside people in your church can help individuals take great strides in their recovery.

6. Protect the next generation

Equip parents and children with the tools to navigate online safety. Encourage parents to talk openly with their children about the dangers of online pornography — this is the first step in protecting the next generation. We will be diving deeper into this topic in upcoming columns.

A message of hope

The Gospel is one of restoration, and God’s grace is powerful enough to break the chains of pornography. Together, we can rise to this challenge and bring hope to those who need it most — showing them a better story, one of God’s transformative grace and unfailing love.

If you would like to dive deeper into this topic you listen to our podcasts here. If you are in Cape Town, be sure not to miss our training.

The authors

Ian Henderson is the founder and CEO of Visible Ministries and the Naked Truth Project. Ian is a gifted communicator and regularly speaks at national and international conferences. He lives in Manchester, UK with his family. If you would like to read more about what led Ian to start a Porn Project, you can read his story here.

Sheralyn Cloete is Naked Truth Project’s South African regional coordinator, and is pioneering the work in South Africa. She is a social worker by training, who is passionate about seeing lives changed and people set free. She lives in Cape Town with her husband, Sam, and their three wonderful children. If you would like to be in touch with us reach out at 084 4(NTRUTH) or email sheralyn@visibleministries.com

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