Michael Guglielmucci: VIDEO UPDATE
- By Batsirai Chada
- Published 08/22/2008
- Worship Leaders
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Rating:
UPDATE (Aug 25, 2008)
Other links for updates: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/25/2345377.htm
UPDATE: (Aug 23, 2008)
THE father of disgraced pastor Michael Guglielmucci has revealed his son has been addicted to pornography since the age of 12.
Danny Guglielmucci – whose high-profile preacher son this week admitted his two-year battle with cancer was fake – said the "severe addiction to pornography" was part of a bizarre double life his son had been leading.
Mr Guglielmucci said Michael had made a full confession to his
family about his past, including revelations about the 16-year porn
obsession and the lies over his supposed battle with terminal illness.
In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mail this week, Mr Guglielmucci also revealed:
HIS son has been suffering "mystery illnesses" since the age of 12.
Mr Guglielmucci said his son was undergoing psychiatric assessment with Adelaide doctors.
"They have said to me that he is very ill. They are assessing where reality stopped and fantasy kicked in and what's caused all this," he said.
"The doctor believes that at times Michael was totally convinced that he had this sickness."
Mr Guglielmucci said he and his wife were in "absolute shock" to discover their son was not terminally ill.
"We have watched our son go through what we thought was cancer," he said. "My wife and I, over the past two years, have watched him vomit in buckets, having nosebleeds, and even his hair fell out in clumps at one stage.
"Every time we saw him, we saw symptoms. He stayed with us for a while where we had to put a special air-conditioner in one of the rooms because he would heat up so much in the middle of winter.
"He had this cold air-conditioner blowing on him to try to keep the heat down. As a professional minister I've stood in front of my congregation and cried and said to pray for my son.
"I've travelled the world asking people to pray for him. Can you imagine what a horrible thing it would be if I was playing a game?
"To be honest, I ask myself as a father, `What did I miss, what did I not do? What could I have done better?'
Get the full story here: Adelaide Now
UPDATE 2: (Aug 22, 2008) "Disgraced pastor Michael Guglielmucci has been ordered to report to police by church officials, who will investigate what has happened to money raised during his terminal cancer deception. The Australian Christian Churches told The Advertiser yesterday that it was auditing Mr Guglielmucci's bank accounts, which included money donated from people touched by his hit song Healer.
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It appears from first reports (Aug 20, 2008) that “Healer” song writer Michael Guglielmucci was and is not suffering from terminal cancer. An email was sent out today to many members of Hillsong Church in Sydney. It stated that Michael Guglielmucci’s illness is not what it has been portrayed to be by Michael Guglielmucci himself, and comes as a shock to us all, including even his wife and family. It appears that he does not have a terminal illness. Mike is currently with his family in Adelaide and is seeking professional support.
If it turns out to be true, and I’m sure more details will come forth, but it hurts – it hurts because a testimony is a strong, faith building device God has given us. This song was a testimony and encouragement for so many.
Can God use deceit to glorify himself and draw people to Himself – yes! Of course.
Phil 1. 15 - 18
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;
17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,
Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice
But it still hurts. It also show us the importance of having lives of integrity as worship leaders and song writers ( or simply as Christians!). Songs connect people with people – songs can connect people to the singer, the writer and to the person next to them in the concert. Songs also connect at a deeper level the heart of God to our own hearts.
But why does this hurt so much – it hurts even more than Ted Haggard. I guess its because the song made us vulnerable and open to God – and to find out that it was written in deceit hurts. Makes me feel like I was duped. But was I? Is God, God? Is He a Healer? Is He a Saviour? Does the failings of a flawed writer testifying about his healing power or crying out for his healing touch, make that touch any less real.
It seems we have been hit with some scandals – Ted Haggard and more recently this and the difficulties of Todd Bentley’s marriage. But the fact that God uses flawed men – even in the midst of their failure is not bad news – its good news! If that weren’t the case – I would be unusable.
But I want to be holy, I want to contend for a church where what they see, is what they get. I want a church that is broken, and gathers around its wounded and fallen – instead of throwing stones. But I also understand the betrayal. God is not surprised – He probably is the one who after months & years of speaking to Mike to come clean – had to either force his hand or expose him – not to shame him but to free him from the lie. God is glorified by truth – even when that truth hurts His cause. Thank you that we can trust in a God of such faithfulness.
I believe You’re my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You’re my Portion
I believe You’re more than enough for me
Jesus You’re all I need
These lyrics are still true. And in the end, its the heart that sings them, that owns them, that makes them real.
“The authenticity of worship resides not in the composer of a song, but rather in the heart of the singer.” – Batsirai Chada.
That’s good – otherwise a police background check is in order before any sermon is preached or CD is released.
Will we keep singing the song at The Embassy? Umm… I think so. Truth is truth.
UPDATE:
On August 20, 2008 by Guglielmucci's own admission he had presented a false claim about his health, specifically having cancer. This was documented in the media as to being a shock to his church and his own family.Australian Christian Churches vice president Alun Davies gave a statement that Mr Guglielmucci had admitted to fabricating his illness:
"Representatives of the National Executive for the Australian Christian Churches recently met with Michael Guglielmucci. At this meeting, he read a statement indicating that his claim to have cancer was untrue." His credential with the Australian Christian Churches was immediately suspended.
According to The Advertiser (Adelaide) Mr Guglielmucci may release a statement on the situation soon.
Shortly after the news broke of this alleged fraud, videos that showed Guglielmucci speaking openly about his cancer and also featured various footage of him wearing an oxygen mask while leading worship were removed from Youtube. Messages on Youtube in place of the removed material indicate that Hillsong Publishing was asserting their copyright of the material in having the videos removed. However, Hillsong Publishing had not previously asserted their copyright for the video on Youtube featuring Guglielmucci and his song "Healer", which had recently reached as high as 300,000 views. Since the news of Guglielmucci's alleged fraud, every other attempt to host the videos has been met shortly thereafter by Hillsong asserting their copyright to have them removed.
Original Hillsong Letter & ACC Statement
“Dear Church,
In the past 24 hours it has been brought to our attention that Michael Guglielmucci’s illness is not what we have been led to believe.
Michael has confirmed that he is not suffering with a terminal illness and is seeking professional help in Adelaide with the support of his family.
This news has come as a great shock to everyone including, it seems, his own wife and family.
We are asking our church to pray for the Guglielmucci family during this difficult time.
God bless,
George Aghajanian
General Manager
ACC Statement:
“Representatives of the National Executive recently met with Michael Guglielmucci. At this meeting he read a statement indicating that his claim to have cancer was untrue. His credential with the ACC was immediately suspended.
The National Executive is taking this matter very seriously and is awaiting the results of medical tests before determining the full extent of the discipline that will be imposed upon him.
We are very concerned for the many people who have been or will be,hurt by Michael’s actions and we encourage all of our churches to pray for all those affected.”
Planetshakers City Church email to their congregation, Russell & Sam Evans wrote:
It is with great sadness that we send you this email. We wanted to tell you all in person but because others were being informed outside our church we felt it necessary to send you this correspondence. Michael Guglielmucci has informed us that he does not suffer from cancer, was never diagnosed with cancer, and has never suffered from the disease. This admission has come as a great shock to everyone including his Wife and family who had no knowledge of the matter. We know this will shock and hurt many of you and we offer you our support and prayers. Our pastoral team will be available to offer any assistance in regard to this situation. We are all saddened by this revelation and our prayers are with the Guglielmucci family. We would encourage you to take this situation to the Lord in prayer responding out of a heart of love, grace and truth. While it is difficult for all of us to understand why this happened we would encourage you all to a closer personal walk with our Lord Jesus.
What Now...
We must now move on, and look at some real issues in our culture and in ourselves. How then shall we live...
We could ignore this as just another fall from grace, pray for Mike and move on with life - or we could ask the Lord for wisdom in our own lives, on how we can live with integrity, how we can be the church, how we can love and live in community - holding one another in the light.
Here are some wise reflections on this whole situation:
http://commonfeet.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/an-afterthought-on-lies/
and
http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/when-vessels-break/
As the news dies down - may the wisdom and humility in those who stand before others and proclaim the gospel in word or in song increase. I have fallen publicly before - its not easy - but its also perhaps the best thing that happened to me. Of course its better to live with no reason to fall - I just don't know that many people like that. God in his love and mercy, pleases privately with us long before exposing us - but the power of sin is in its secrecy - so let the truth some forth - and let it set us free.
Batsirai Chada
I am the editor of Called2Music. I started this because I felt compelled to by God. It's that simple. He really has a vested interest in every human heart - and with music being a launguage of heaven and the human soul - He is REALLY interested in the artists who venture out to declare Him to the world.
In this season, God is looking for laiddown lovers who yearn for Him first and from that place go out declaring the truth in song, and in demonstration of power. Its not about who can move the most CD's - but how we can move His heart and the hearts of men towards Him. I hope the content on this site will help you in your pursuit of your calling.
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16 Responses to "Michael Guglielmucci: VIDEO UPDATE"
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said this on 22 Aug 2008 6:41:59 PM CST
"Can God use deceit to glorify himself and draw people to Himself – yes! Of course."
Just the sort of response I'd expect from a moron. Mike Guglielmucci lied. But not a single christian bothered to look a bit more critically at his claims. And now they're all pissing and moaning about how he "deceived" them. But he wasn't the only one at fault. How many people sat there in his sermons each week and just passively sucked in every word out of this mealy-mouths liar? How many people, in self-induced credulity, took what he said at face value because the *wanted* to believe it. Here's a wake up call for a lot of you folks. Peter Pan is just a fairy tail. When Pan says "Just believe hard enough and it will come true," it's just a fairy tale - it's not true! And it certainly isn't the basis for a worldwide philosopy. ixie dust does not make you fly |
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said this on 27 Aug 2008 11:05:53 AM CST
Ben, there may be some truth in what you say but quite frankly I'm disgusted by your blatant attack on any and everyone who believed him. It's true that many people today are trying to follow God only with their emotions so they get pulled in by every wind and wave of doctrine but we shouldn't cut those people off for only having a heart understanding just as you shouldn't be cut off just because you only follow with your mind. You're words are harsh and done not out of a love for God or people but because of arrogance. You may not know me and I may not know you but all I ask is that you keep your hateful judgments to yourself.
As for Mike, I agree that he should be forgiven and God can use this situation to glorify him as he could anything else. To tell you the truth I was ecstatic to hear of a well-known preacher confessing his sins rather then waiting for them to be found out. I pray that things will turn around for Mike and that he really will have a repentant heart but that is not something I can judge so we will have to wait to see what God does through this. |
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said this on 28 Aug 2008 11:05:27 PM CST
Ben, you said 22/aug/08 "not a single christian bothered to look a bit more critically at his claims...". The ONLY time I heard Mike preach was perhaps a month before his public exposure. As I sat in the congregation, I asked the Lord "Why is this man sick?" (regarding cancer). The reply I heard "He's not sick".
So your hypothesis is false - I for one and probably others have approached the Lord seeking the truth regarding his sickness. But just because we hear the Word of the Lord, does not give us automatic right to approach anyone about it! Our revelations need to be tested - although in this case there was simply insufficient time to act - if that is what God wanted me to do which I don't believe anyway. You are correct though - it is a wake up call for the church. However, to dismiss Jesus and his followers as a fairy tale does not follow from any mistake of Mike or the Church. Deception seeks inroads to everyone - Christian, Athiest and all in between. The only way out is Jesus - who IS TRUTH. We are to follow HIM, not Christians who have varying degrees of attachment to Him. Ben, I try not to be limited by others' failures. I suggest you do the same. This will free you to answer Jesus' question: Who do YOU say I am? |
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said this on 03 Sep 2008 11:11:41 PM CST
'Can God use deceit to glorify himself and draw people to Himself – yes! Of course."
Yes, I agree. I listened to the song and still it blesses me. Moreover, God does heal Michael for his 'real' illness = deceit, etc, etc. The moment we prayed for him at Hillsongs conference, I looked around and saw +/- 27.000 people in one accord prayed for him, and I said in my heart 'God, these are 27.000 people prayed together, wont you hear us?' God did hear. This is a proccess of real healing for Michael God bless u all |
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said this on 23 Aug 2008 9:01:59 AM CST
HI,
Thanks for chiming in on this, and for linking to our article over at TheWorshipCommunity.Com. I'd not seen your site, and I'm glad to have found it. For the Kingdom, Fred McKinnon www.fredmckinnon.com www.theworshipcommunity.com |
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said this on 23 Aug 2008 11:12:28 AM CST
Really, this only proves that people always will be... people. It's not an excuse, but it is a root cause. And it points us once again, that our only sure foundation is the word of God. If Mike's story was not true, God's still is... He IS the Healer of all our brokenness... including Mike's... and the people who put their (mis)trust in him.
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said this on 23 Aug 2008 12:47:07 PM CST
Wow! This was an absolute stunner. We - all of us have feet of clay. I attended the Hillsong conference last year (Saviour King), and was not able to get to sydney for this year's conference, but did go to the Hillsong Worship conference at the Billy Graham Center (The Cove) in Asheville, NC in June of this year. Here Darlene and members of Hillsong Worship team taught us the song HEALER along with the powerful faith and testimony of Michael Gugglielmucci. I could not wait until the music was released to teach it to our worship team here in Salisbury, North Carolina. I will share this powerful song with our worshippers because the words have not lost their meaning! My prayers are offered for true healing for everyone who is experiencing fall out, anger, confusion, etc., and most certainly for Michael G. and all of his family. God is in control - we believe that His children will not be forsaken!
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said this on 25 Aug 2008 3:53:04 AM CST
thank you for the clarification on this difficult topic
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said this on 25 Aug 2008 7:58:19 AM CST
Had wanted to come by earlier and leave a comment to say - thank you, for considering the thoughts on my page worthy to be highlighted. have been receiving hits - not quite as much as your initial rate, but more than the trickle of friends who check in occasionally on my smart ass/random streams of consciousness. Thank you, I'm honored. May we all learn to be accountable and engage our weaknesses as much as we do our talents and gifts. Jesus hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors, there's something there we shouldn't miss.
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said this on 27 Aug 2008 8:04:47 AM CST
I appreciatte the clarity brought to what is apart of human nature.. to fall short.... and the truth is still the truth regardless of what is in the life of the writter or singer and it is the Truth that sets us free, and perhaps it was that truth sung that made Michael free from the secret life he lived, God hears and answers our prayers, though we are faithless He remains faithful to His promises, That none should perish but all should come to the knowledge of the truth.
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said this on 30 Aug 2008 9:16:00 AM CST
well,,, his illness was untrue but the message of the song was true God is our HEALER! and even though his illness was untrue still the message will not change... everyone made mistakes....
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said this on 05 Sep 2008 11:28:30 PM CST
I am saddened, like most of you, about what happened to Mike G. But what grieves me most is the reaction of the "modern time x-tians" in treating other christians who, like all of us, made mistake. First of all, Mike G. was not caught and was later exposed (as many media has published). He confessed his wrongdoing to his family and that's where i admired him most. I have no approval of his lies but the fact that he faced the consequences of confesing his wrongdoing is a godly thing to do. Most of us, if not caught sinning, will pretend everything is well and under control and live an "ideal" christian life as a costume or a facade (somebody may comment on this and will tell me, "that's only you. PLS. STOP THE HYPOCRISY). I am also saddened by the decision done by HILLSONG removing the song Healer even from their latest audio album. In the video album, it's reasonable because of the nature of the video. But in the audio/cd album, in my opinion, it is not necessary. It's like removing part of the book of Psalms because the author is a murderer/adulterer servant of God. But, that's their business. What bothers me of their action is the thought that i'm sure is not intentional; that is if you are a servant of God, and publicly you confess that you commit a sin and with a repentant heart you are asking for forgiveness, instead of extending/lending a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on, you will be disowned, mock, set aside, erased, forgotten so better keep your sin to your self and God and live "victoriously." If there is any moment that Mike is to sing his song Healer, that is now. Having an illness that is more dangerous than cancer (sexual sin if not repented can lead to eternal damnation) is the right time to ask God for help. And that's what Jesus is all about, Gracious Savior. And to those who momentarily lost the knowledge of God's grace because of gruesome, judgmental and arrogant thinking, read again the lives of King David (a man who's after God's heart yet sinned) and Apostle Paul on how they experienced God's grace. And if it's not enought, read again your life story and how God found you and make you whole again....and again.....and again....God bless you all.... >>> franco of Roxas City, Philippines & Montreal, Canada
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said this on 10 Sep 2008 10:54:21 AM CST
I think his song came from the fact that he needed healing from his addiction to porn, which was a cancer to him. It was killing him, his relationship with God and with others. Sin is a terminal illness ... while he was wrong for making up such a story and going the lengths he did to hide the truth, I don't blame him. This was the only way he could "half way" confess his addiction. The man needed healing, just a different kind. How could he ask for that kind of healing in the church? Truly?
I pray that God will bless his decision to be real! I pray that this confession will bring him the healing that he so desperately needs. And I pray that we can be a forgiving people ... a people that loves the truth ... and a people that allows for others (and our own) mistakes. Thank you so much for this article!!! |
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said this on 10 Sep 2008 12:10:41 PM CST
We must pray for Mike, it is important that to give him chance to be accepted again as the body of Christ. Pray for revival in his life. Only God have the power to move his addiction and sin.
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said this on 10 Sep 2008 12:13:09 PM CST
Pray for mike, he need revival in his life.
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said this on 15 Sep 2008 5:17:09 AM CST
please watch the video....very timely...speaking from the very heart of God..
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