Have you heard of a church leader banned from Botswana? That’s part of the story of Faithful Word Baptist Church Botswana. This church is connected to a larger story. It involves controversy and strict beliefs.
Faithful Word Baptist Church is part of a network. The original church started in Tempe Arizona in 2005. Steven Anderson founded it. He remains the pastor. The church calls itself old-fashioned. It is independent and fundamental. It focuses on the King James Bible. Members aim to win souls for Christ.
The church believes the King James Bible is perfect. They believe in the Trinity. They also believe in salvation through faith. Eternal torment awaits the unsaved. They oppose what they consider worldliness. This includes modernism and liberalism.
Steven Anderson stirred national attention in 2009. He gave a sermon titled “Why I Hate Barack Obama”. In it he prayed for the president’s death. This led to significant backlash.
The Southern Poverty Law Center listed Faithful Word Baptist Church as an anti-gay hate group. Anderson preached that homosexuals should be executed. He based this on the Law of Moses. His views have led to bans from several countries. Botswana is among them.
Anderson’s church produced a documentary called Marching to Zion. The Anti-Defamation League called it anti-Semitic. Another video promoted Holocaust denial. These actions amplified the controversy around the church.
A branch of Faithful Word Baptist Church even started in Germany. The pastor there wished death upon a government official. This pastor then fled to Arizona. He claimed religious persecution.
Here in Botswana the story of Faithful Word Baptist Church is complex. It involves international controversy. It highlights strong unwavering beliefs. This church sparks debate wherever it goes. Its message resonates with some. Yet it faces strong opposition from others. The story of Faithful Word Baptist Church Botswana reflects these tensions. It shows how global issues play out in local contexts.