Pastor Steven Anderson "Approves" of NIFB Church's Call for the Executions and Suicides of LGBTQ+ People

Content warning: This article contains quotations from pastors that feature strong homophobic slurs, violent language, and incitement to self-harm.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Contact The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or visit thetrevorproject.org.

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On July 2, 2025, WISH-TV ran a story reporting on Sure Foundation Baptist Church’s violent rhetoric toward LGBTQ+ people.

Specifically, the sermon they highlighted urged LGBTQ+ people to commit suicide and for the government to carry out executions of those within that community.

This morning, July 3, 2025, Evangelist Justin Zhong – one of the primary leaders of SFBC – posted a statement to Facebook and X, doubling down on this messaging.

He said – in part:

“I want to take a moment to address some recent developments concerning the Men’s Preaching Night last Sunday.

I will not apologize for preaching the Word of God. I will not apologize for stating facts. I will not negotiate with terrorists, among whom the LGBTHIV crowd is full of domestic terrorists.

The Bible is crystal clear that sodomites (homosexuals) deserve the death penalty carried out by a government that actually cares about the law of God. We are not to take the law into our own hands.”

He continues, reaffirming the idea that all LGBTQ+ people should “commit suicide.”

“Jesus teaches that if anyone harms little children, it is better for them to drown themselves (commit suicide).”

“The Bible says that the sodomites (homosexuals) are filled with all unrighteousness. That’s why I believe all sodomites are capable of molesting children and committing all kinds of wickedness.”

Fellow NIFB pastor, Steven Anderson, tweeted in support of Justin Zhong shortly after, saying, “I’m Steven Anderson, and I approve this message.”

Anderson also commented on the post by WISH-TV, saying “The preacher is right. No lies detected.”

Steven Anderson is no stranger to controversy – most recently, some of his children made public allegations of past child abuse.

I interviewed his son, John Anderson, about his experiences in September of 2024.

In spite of the testimony of three of his adult children, Anderson has yet to be formally charged by law enforcement.