Portrait of Kenneth Copeland

Photo: Kenneth Copeland Ministries · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Born in United States · Nationality American — Religion / sects / ideologues

Kenneth Copeland

Documented profile covering 9 controversies, including “COVID-19 described as a weak virus and fear as a sin” and “Televised 'wind of God' ritual supposedly destroying coronavirus”.

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Profile No. 2389 · Updated on 12 October 2026

Portrait of Kenneth Copeland

Photo: Kenneth Copeland Ministries · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

9Documented controversies
7Sources
0Formal charge · all time
0Conviction

I. Documented controversies

01

March 2020

COVID-19 described as a weak virus and fear as a sin

No legal proceedings

At the beginning of the pandemic, Copeland described coronavirus as weak and argued that fear spiritually opened the way to illness, while criticising pastors who had suspended in-person services.

State of the evidence
Documented

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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02

April 2020

Televised 'wind of God' ritual supposedly destroying coronavirus

No legal proceedings

During a broadcast, Copeland blew towards the camera and proclaimed that the 'wind of God' was destroying COVID-19, also claiming that heat and humidity killed the virus.

State of the evidence
Documented

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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03

2015–2019

Private jets and justification for not flying on commercial airlines

No legal proceedings

Copeland defended the use of several private jets, including a Gulfstream V, explaining that commercial air travel would severely restrict his ministry; he had also referred to a 'tube full of demons'.

State of the evidence
Documented

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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04

May–June 2019

Aggressive interview style and refusal to disclose price of his Gulfstream

No legal proceedings

During a filmed confrontation with Inside Edition, Copeland refused to specify the price paid for his Gulfstream, vehemently challenged some of the journalist's wording and defended his lifestyle.

State of the evidence
Documented

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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05

August–September 2013

Measles outbreak linked to church and controversy over anti-vaccination culture

No legal proceedings

At least 21 measles cases were linked to Eagle Mountain International Church, associated with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Most of those infected were unvaccinated, and former members described a culture that valued faith over medicine.

State of the evidence
Documented

Sources · 1

  1. [1]
    Associated Press / Portland Press HeraldMeasles outbreak puts megachurch under scrutinyNews agencyHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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06

2010–2013

Earlier statements expressing distrust of increasing numbers of vaccinations

No legal proceedings

Earlier broadcasts showed Copeland expressing surprise at the number of vaccines recommended for a great-grandchild, remarks that resurfaced following the measles outbreak.

State of the evidence
Documented

Sources · 1

  1. [1]
    Associated Press / Portland Press HeraldMeasles outbreak puts megachurch under scrutinyNews agencyHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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07

2007–2011

US Senate investigation into ministry benefits, governance and expenditure

No legal proceedings

Kenneth Copeland Ministries was among six organisations questioned by the Senate about spending, benefits for executives, governance, accommodation and private aircraft.

State of the evidence
Documented

Sources · 1

  1. [1]
    U.S. Senate Committee on FinanceGrassley Releases Review of Tax Issues Raised by Media-based MinistriesOfficial documentVery high reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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08

2008–2011

Response deemed incomplete to Senate requests

No legal proceedings

Unlike Benny Hinn and Joyce Meyer, Copeland's ministry provided only an incomplete response to the Senate's requests for information.

State of the evidence
Documented

Sources · 2

  1. [1]
    U.S. Senate Committee on FinanceUpdate on Ministry Responses in Tax-exempt Policy ReviewOfficial documentVery high reliability
  2. [2]
    U.S. Senate Committee on FinanceGrassley Releases Review of Tax Issues Raised by Media-based MinistriesOfficial documentVery high reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

Add to this entry

09

années 1970–présent

Prosperity gospel: Wealth and health presented as expected fruits of faith

No legal proceedings

Copeland is one of the leading proponents of prosperity gospel, linking faith, donations, health and material prosperity.

State of the evidence
Documented

Sources · 2

  1. [1]
    U.S. Senate Committee on FinanceGrassley Releases Review of Tax Issues Raised by Media-based MinistriesOfficial documentVery high reliability
  2. [2]
    Associated Press / Portland Press HeraldMeasles outbreak puts megachurch under scrutinyNews agencyHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

Add to this entry

II. Constellation of documented links

  • Linked profile (portrait or initials) — click to open it
  • Line width: number of documented references
  • Hover over or tap a line: controversies and sources

Two profiles are linked when a documented controversy of one names the other. The link points to that controversy and its sources; it does not indicate a personal relationship.

List of documented links (1)
  1. Benny Hinn1 documented reference

III. Has something changed?

A new court decision, a missing source, a mistake? Tell us what should be updated: every request is read by the editorial team.

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