Twisted Message: A prophet’s unchecked global sect

Emily Hamer , Tim Steller Nov 12, 2024 Updated Nov 27, 2024

A religious sect called “The Message” has spread worldwide — and also sprouted destructive “cults.” An investigation exposes the child abuse, misogyny and manipulation in some of the faith’s subgroups.

• (27) updates to this series since Updated Nov 27, 2024

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Mass starvation, a doomsday colony: 'The Message' inspires dangerous ‘cults’ worldwide

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.

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From backwoods boy to 20th century 'prophet': How William Branham gained a global following

Although William Branham died in 1965, millions of people worldwide still follow his teachings. The sect has expanded, in part, through more than 1,200 recordings of his sermons.

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'The Message' religious sect sprouts destructive groups across globe

Leaders influenced by the late Rev. William Branham have overseen controlling religious groups worldwide.

Arizona trailer park cult that brutalized more than 100 children exposed 60 years later
Arizona trailer park cult that brutalized more than 100 children exposed 60 years later

The 'prophet' who founded a sect called The Message hailed this Arizona trailer park as an ideal community in the 1960s. Survivors say they suffered hellish abuse as children there.

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Arizona cult that brutalized children exposed 60 years later

Children in a 1960s trailer park cult were whipped with belts, sexually abused, separated from families and locked in a cellar for days, accor…

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