Faithful Word Baptist Church

Warning: This page contains hateful language that some readers might find disturbing

Since its inception in 2005, the Faithful Word Baptist Church has become synonymous with controversy and conflict. Led by the firebrand Pastor Steven L. Anderson, this Arizona-based church has gained notoriety for its extreme beliefs and in-your-face tactics, especially when it comes to its anti-LGBTQ+ stance.

The church's fundamentalist beliefs are rooted in the King James Version of the Bible, which they interpret as the literal word of God. This has led to some extreme interpretations of scripture, such as the belief that women should submit to their husbands.

Pastor Anderson's sermons are known for their incendiary language, which many consider to be nothing short of hate speech. The church's viciously anti-LGBTQ+ stance, in particular, has been met with widespread condemnation. Anderson himself has even called for the government to execute gay people, a chilling and appalling position that has sparked protests and calls to have the church classified as a hate group.

But the church's confrontational approach isn't limited to its sermons. The congregation has a history of employing aggressive tactics to spread its message, which has led to the pastor being banned or deported from several countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.

At first, the church's controversial beliefs were largely dismissed as the misguided rantings of a fringe group. But as their teachings grew more extreme, so did their influence. As a result, the congregation swelled to hundreds of members, resulting in a national movement that now boasts over 30 churches and continues to gain momentum.

Other info:

• A church member brought an assault rifle to an Obama speaking event the day after pastor Steven Anderson preached a sermon stating a desire that Obama dies (source)