Popular media personality and religious commentator, Daddy Freeze, has opened up on what led him to walk away from the church, revealing a painful experience he had during his divorce.
Speaking on the With Chude podcast, Freeze shared how his once cordial relationship with his pastor changed dramatically when he began going through a divorce.
“It happened to me. I was going to church and I was very cool with my pastor then. When I was going through my divorce, it’s one of the things that drew me away from the church. My pastor said, ‘Yeah, you can come to church, but you know you’re going to sit at the back.’”
The outspoken broadcaster explained that this experience made him question the inclusivity of the church, especially toward divorcees and separated individuals.
“Divorcees and separated women are ostracized by the church,” he said. “And I believe that’s one of the reasons why gospel singer Osinachi died. The church is not going to chase you for divorcing, but are they going to allow you to be the lead singer?”
Reflecting on his journey, Freeze said the church’s attitude towards divorcees made him re-evaluate his faith. He referenced the biblical story of the woman at the well in John chapter 4 to drive home his point.
“I’m going through a divorce, I’m getting married to somebody else, so that means I can’t bring the person to this church again”, he said. “Then I remembered John chapter 4 — the woman at the well who had had five husbands and was living with one that was not her husband. That is so powerful. I have only divorced once.”
Daddy Freeze, known for challenging religious doctrines he considers hypocritical, emphasized that the church should show more compassion and understanding rather than judgment toward people dealing with life’s struggles.
His revelation has stirred mixed reactions online. One user, @thezillionairecoach, wrote, “I’ll love to hear from your pastor too. There’s more to this.”
Another, @officialrichymaguire, added, “Now I understand his fight with the church better. He does have a point. The church should learn and do better.”
Others joined the conversation with differing takes. @pearly_ira asked, “But what changes? Whether you sit in front or behind?” While @jernald_couture_ teased, “Only you divorce. Only you stop church. Only you dey oppress us with 10 phones. Daddy, can you freeze?”
For many, however, the story hit close to home. @makhalisia simply commented, “Church hurt is a real thing.”
