VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 9/2/09)—Pastor Steven Anderson of Tempe, Arizona, has stirred up controversy by publicizing his prayers that President Barack Obama “dies and goes to hell.” Anderson is not associated with American Baptist Churches USA.
 
Anderson identifies himself as a Baptist Pastor, and many calls and emails have been coming into the Mission Center asking if he is an American Baptist. 

Anderson nor his church are American Baptist. Anderson was not ordained by ABCUSA and is not and never has been considered an American Baptist.  
 
Anderson’s church website describes the church as “an independent, autonomous Baptist church.”

Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits,” in Matthew 7:16. Hopefully American Baptists will distance themselves from ministers like Anderson who preach hate, and focus their energies on God's unconditional love. 

“By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.