“I know for a fact young women did not want to be 17, 18 years old and marrying a man in his 50s. ... But the parents had a different view.”
Tim Steller
Columnist
About
Tim Steller is an opinion columnist. A 25-year veteran of reporting and editing, he digs into issues and stories that matter in the Tucson area, reports the results and tells you his conclusions. Contact him at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @timothysteller
Strict tithing mandates, real estate purchases and mortgage lending marked the financial practices of a Tucson church. "I can't believe I was so stupid," one former member said.
The story behind millions of dollars amassed by a fringe religious sect includes the distribution of recorded sermons by its dead prophet and tributes paid worldwide.
The rule that Tucson restaurant owner Grant Krueger is fighting may be illegal. But it deals with a real problem: Hens suffering in cages and having no room to roam as they feed us.
Leaders influenced by William Branham have overseen a deadly starvation cult in Kenya in 2023 and a trailer-park commune in Arizona that abused children in the 1960s, among other atrocities.
A Tucson pastor built his congregation on the strict teachings of 20th-century 'prophet' William Branham, but made it so harsh that leaving means estrangement from family members.
Former members who have been "excommunicated" from a Tucson church "cult" say the church prevents them from attending the funerals of their own family members.