Joel Osteen hoax: Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen was singled out in a massive Internet hoax, complete with fake news reports saying that the Houston-based mega church leader has resigned.
The Houston Chronicle reported that fake church websites and news sites were put up, which look like CNN, Yahoo, and the Christian News Network.
They all said that Osteen quit his ministry, prominently featuring the stories. In one instance, Osteen quit because of a “lack of faith.”
“Pastor of mega church resigns, rejects Christ,” read the headline of a fake news website. Another said that he will start a “new religion,” according to the Houston Press.
One of the websites, www.joelostenministries.com, was down as of Monday evening. And his real website, joelosteen.com, did not include any mentions of quitting the ministry.
The hoax creator also set up a fake YouTube video and a fake Twitter page.
And fake WordPress blog includes a fake message written by Osteen. “I have also been accused of profiting greatly from my ministry, with my books and television deals,” it reads. “Many of their criticisms are legitimate.”
The church has told its members that Osteen was the victim of the hoax, saying they do not know what happened, according to the Press.
Osteen has yet to comment to the media about the hoax.
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