Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, founder and senior pastor of David Christian Centre (DCC), has once again addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding his visible tattoo, firmly insisting that getting inked is not a sin and pointing to biblical descriptions of God and Jesus bearing inscriptions on their bodies.
In a video message shared on his official Instagram and YouTube channels on Thursday, February 6, 2026, the popular preacher responded to renewed criticism from some conservative Christian circles who accused him of leading believers astray.
Pastor Okonkwo stated: “I never said tattoos are for everyone. What I said and I stand by it, is that tattoos are not sinful. The Bible does not prohibit them in the New Testament. In fact, Scripture shows God Himself with inscriptions. Revelation 19:16 says Jesus has a name written on His thigh: ‘KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.’ Isaiah 49:16 says God has our names engraved on the palms of His hands. If God and Jesus can have inscriptions on their bodies, how is a tattoo automatically sinful for a believer today?”
He further argued that the Old Testament prohibition in Leviticus 19:28 (“You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you”) was part of the ceremonial and cultural laws given specifically to ancient Israel, and not a universal moral command binding on Christians under the New Covenant.
The pastor emphasized personal conviction, moderation, and motive: “If your tattoo glorifies God, lifts up Jesus, or simply expresses something meaningful to you and it’s not rooted in rebellion, idolatry or the occult then it is not sin. But if it causes your brother or sister to stumble, then love demands you consider covering it or removing it. That’s maturity.”
Pastor Okonkwo, known for his practical, no-nonsense teaching style and large youth following, has previously addressed the tattoo issue multiple times, including during live services and on his “Monday Motivation” series.
DCC has grown rapidly in recent years, with branches in Lagos and online reach across Africa and the diaspora.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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