Michael Guglielmucci

Michael Guglielmucci (born 1978) is an Australian Christian pastor and songwriter. He performed on and wrote or co-wrote songs for the Hillsong Live album, This Is Our God, including his song "Healer".

The Guglielmucci family were originally members of Paradise Assemblies of God (now known as Influencers Church). In his late teens, Michael played in the Youth Alive Australia band in South Australia, and later formed the band, Foreyon, in 1998 with his brother, Kris. Foreyon released a nine-track EP, Cold,[1] recorded at Best FX / SSCC under the label Pig Records, mastered at Hippo Audio. The band toured around both public and private schools performing their music and preaching to thousands of students across Adelaide.

Controversy

In September 2006 after a hospital visit for a minor accident, Guglielmucci announced that he was dying of cancer.[2] He was reportedly suffering from symptoms including severe pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting and hair loss.[3] It was at this point that he composed the song, "Healer", allegedly based on his struggle with cancer. The album This Is Our God on which the song appeared, went on to chart on the ARIA charts, peaking at No. 2. Guglielmucci performed the song regularly at concerts over a two-year period, often with no hair and an oxygen tube attached to his nose.

In August 2008, Guglielmucci's father Danny, founder of Edge Church in Adelaide, publicly announced that his son had fabricated the cancer story, which his son created as a diversion from a battle with a 16-year pornography addiction.[4][5] Guglielmucci appeared on the current affair show Today Tonight, where he gave a full confession and explained the events surrounding the fabrication.[6]

Guglielmucci was immediately stripped of his credentials by the Australian Christian Church. The church's lawyers contacted police, and audited Guglielmucci's bank accounts to ensure all proceeds of the song "Healer" could be either returned or donated to charity.[7] Guglielmucci himself pledged to ensure the funds would be returned to purchasers.[8] Guglielmucci's father reported that he was to receive psychiatric assessment.[9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Foreyon: Cold CD Track Listing at cyList". Cylist.com. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  2. ↑ "Pop star pastor lied about cancer". News.ninemsn.com.au. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  3. ↑ "Michael Guglielmucci". Brian and Bobbie. 3 September 2008. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  4. ↑ Lawrence, Elissa (24 August 2008). "Disgraced pastor Michael Guglielmucci a porn addict". Sunday Mail.
  5. ↑ "Disgraced pastor Michael Guglielmucci releases statement". Adelaide Now. 23 August 2008. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  6. ↑ "Hillsong Pastor Michael Guglielmucci on Today Tonight". YouTube. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  7. ↑ "Fake illness preacher Michael Guglielmucci told to go to police". Adelaide Now. 21 August 2008. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  8. ↑ "Money back pledge from disgraced pastor Michael Guglielmucci". Religionnewsblog.com. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  9. ↑ "Money back pledge from disgraced pastor - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
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