S71 · E40

The Billionaire Bishop and the Global Megachurch

With more than 30 branches in the UK, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, led by a Brazilian billionaire businessman, claims to transform lives through its preaching. But Panorama uncovers allegations that members can feel manipulated into giving money to the church, that it tells young members mental health conditions are linked to evil spirits which can be ‘cast out’ by what it calls, strong prayers; and that it persuades members to stay with the church by suggesting that leaving can lead to serious illness.