Churches warn of the rise of false prophets who use God's name to deceive believers
City of Pawtucket, January 21, 2026 (Bravanews) - During services and masses held in recent weeks, priests and pastors have reinforced warnings to the community about the appearance of false prophets, people who present themselves as "sent from God" or spiritual leaders, but who, according to religious leaders, use faith as an instrument of deception and illicit enrichment.
In messages to the faithful, both in the Catholic Church and in different evangelical denominations, religious leaders have called for vigilance, discernment and the strengthening of conscious faith, stressing that not everyone who invokes God's name does so with true intentions. "Not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord' acts in the name of God," has been one of the most quoted biblical passages during homilies and sermons.
According to the warnings, these false prophets often resort to promises of miraculous cures, immediate solutions to family, financial or health problems, and even guarantees of rapid prosperity, demanding payments, high offerings or ongoing financial contributions in return. In many cases, the most vulnerable people - the sick, the unemployed or the emotionally fragile - end up being the main victims.
Priests and pastors have been unanimous in stating that faith should not be commercialized or used as a means of exploitation. "God doesn't charge to bless," one religious leader stressed during a service, adding that any practice that puts money above love, truth and service to others should be viewed with suspicion.
The churches also appeal to the faithful to seek guidance from recognized leaders, structured communities and religious institutions with a history of transparency. If there is any suspicion of scamming or taking advantage of other people's faith, the civil authorities should also be informed because, as well as being a spiritual issue, it is often a social and legal problem.
The warning comes in a context in which there are increasing reports of people saying they have been duped after handing over significant sums of money to supposed spiritual leaders, without the promises made having been fulfilled. For religious leaders, combating these practices involves spiritual education, information and uniting communities.
The churches reaffirm that true faith should liberate, strengthen and bring hope, not fear, guilt or financial loss. The final appeal left to the faithful is clear: believe in God, but without ceasing to use reason, discernment and common sense.
