Nigerian comedian AY Makun has candidly revealed the reason behind his decision to stop attending church for a period, clarifying that it was not due to a loss of faith in God but rather a personal season triggered by negative stories about him circulating online.
Fear of judgment drove AY away from church
According to AY, he became deeply uncomfortable with the prospect of being judged or subjected to whispers whenever he walked into a church. To avoid this, he chose instead to worship online occasionally, maintaining his connection to faith from a distance. He eventually attended another church where he felt welcomed and believed he had found a spiritual home.
Removal from church programme due to public perception
However, his relief was short-lived. AY revealed that he was later removed from an upcoming programme at that church after concerns were raised about the public perception surrounding him. The experience left him questioning whether public opinion had become more important than a person's relationship with God. He said, "I still believe in Jesus Christ as a Christian," before referencing Matthew 11:28 and asking: "Who is the church really for?"
A call for grace and restoration
AY emphasized that he was not attacking pastors or asking people to disregard whatever they believed about him. Instead, he questioned whether the church should not be a place where people can find truth, grace, and restoration regardless of what they are facing. His remarks highlight a broader dilemma about the role of public perception in religious communities.
