Goal: This petition is to implore MinistryBrands to remove the registered hate group, (Source: Southern Poverty Law) Stedfast Baptist Church, from their online giving and donation platform. Hate filled groups should not be empowered to spread violence.

Backstory: Stedfast was evicted for violating their lease terms in late February 2022. The violation was for threats and creating a dangerous nuisance. (Source: Star-Telegram) The landlord and other tenants worried the persistent protests outside could put anyone involved in danger.

Their hate filled pastor, Jonathan Shelley’s KJV only sermons are reminiscent of Westboro Baptist’s language and belief system. From the pulpit he repeatedly and violently reinforces how he hopes “every f*g would die right now.” (Source: LGBTQ Nation) He does not allow women to hold positions of leadership, not even shout “amen” in a service. He complains about short hair on women, that it is “gross” and “ruins” them. (Source: Stedfast’s YouTube Channel) Their previous head pastor, Donnie Romero, also made headlines for similar statements. However, Romero eventually resigned because of his affinity for marijuana and prostitution. (Source: ABC News). Shelley’s Stedfast is part of the new independent fundamental Baptist denomination founded by Steven Anderson. Anderson has been barred from entry into many countries for similar hate filled sermons. You can find more information about the denomination here: ADL.org