Fredrick Christopher Jerome Fernando (born 12 September 1979[1]) known as Prophet Jerome Fernando, is a Christian faith leader, prophet, preacher, televangelist and a former cricketer in Sri Lanka. He leads the Prophet Jerome Fernando Ministries (PJFM), which focuses on healing, miracles, and prophetic teachings. Fernando is known for his ministry at the Miracle Dome, where he claims to perform healings and miracles.
Career
editCricket
edit| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Fredrick Christopher Jerome Fernando |
| Born | 12 September 1979[1] |
| Batting | Left-handed |
| Role | WK-Batsman |
Jerome Fernando was active as a cricketer before becoming known as a religious figure. He played as a Wicket-keeper batsman during his cricketing career.[2]
Christian ministry
editIn February 2020, Fernando began an association with Uebert Angel, a Zimbabwean pastor and businessman. Following their meeting, Fernando adopted a more extravagant lifestyle and shifted his focus towards the prosperity gospel, emphasizing financial contributions from his followers.[3]
On 27 May 2022 he founded the "Miracle Dome in Katunayake, Sri Lanka, which became a central location for his ministry. The dome is known for hosting large gatherings where he claims to perform healings and miracles, attracting many followers seeking spiritual and physical healing.[3]
In May 2023, Fernando made controversial statements about Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam during a sermon,[4] including saying that "Buddha was looking for Jesus."[5] This sparked significant backlash from the Buddhist community and led to accusations of religious intolerance. His remarks were deemed derogatory, resulting in calls for legal action against him for inciting religious discord.[5]
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka ordered an investigation into his comments. He faced a fundamental rights petition filed by religious leaders, and was subsequently arrested in December 2023 after returning to Sri Lanka from Singapore. [6] He was released on bail in January 2024, with restrictions on his travel and public statements regarding religion.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b "Jerome Fernando Profile - Cricket Player Sri Lanka | Stats, Records, Video". ESPNcricinfo.
- ^ "Sri Lanka U-19 to India: Fielding a priority (19 February 1999)". ESPNcricinfo.
- ^ a b "The runaway prophet?". Daily Mirror.
- ^ Weerasooriya, Sahan (2023-05-18). "Udaya demands halt to prayers at 'Miracle Dome', arrest of 'Pastor Jerome'". Island.lk. Retrieved 2024-08-12.
- ^ a b "Unhinged Escapades: Jerome Fernando's Boundary-Pushing Feats". Sri Lanka Guardian.
- ^ Balasuriya, Darshana (December 1, 2023). "Pastor Jerome arrested". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
- ^ "SC calls for progress report on probe into Pastor Jerome Fernando". Adaderana.