A pastor has sparked widespread controversy after describing women who report their husbands to the police following physical assault as “evil” and accusing them of harming their spouses.
The religious leader made the controversial remarks during a sermon in which he criticised women who seek police intervention after experiencing domestic violence.
The pastor reportedly took issue with Cassandra McMurtry, a pastor’s wife who had advised women experiencing physical abuse to seek help and report their husbands to the authorities.
He described her advice as “unbiblical trash”, arguing that women should remain with their husbands even when they are bad spouses, citing biblical teachings on submission and marriage.
His comments have generated discussions about domestic violence, religious interpretations of marriage and the responsibility of religious leaders to protect vulnerable members of their congregations.
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1. Pastor Describes Women Who Report Abusive Husbands as Evil
The pastor reportedly condemned women who contact the police after being physically assaulted by their husbands.
According to his sermon, a woman who reports her husband after he slaps her is acting wickedly and causing harm to her spouse.
He argued that involving law enforcement in marital disputes could expose husbands to serious consequences.
The comments have raised concerns because they appear to discourage women from seeking protection after experiencing physical violence.
Domestic violence is a serious issue, and reporting physical assault to the authorities is a legitimate option for people seeking safety and protection.
2. Pastor Criticises Cassandra McMurtry’s Advice on Domestic Abuse
The religious leader also criticised Cassandra McMurtry, a pastor’s wife who reportedly advised women experiencing physical abuse to seek assistance and report their husbands.
He described her advice as “unbiblical trash”, arguing that her position contradicted his interpretation of biblical teachings on marriage.
The disagreement has drawn attention to differing perspectives among religious leaders regarding domestic violence and the responsibilities of spouses.
While some religious figures emphasise reconciliation and marital commitment, others stress that protecting victims from abuse must take priority over preserving a marriage.
3. He Argues Women Should Remain With Their Husbands
During the sermon, the pastor reportedly maintained that women should remain with their husbands even when they are bad spouses.
He based his argument on biblical teachings concerning marriage, submission and the responsibilities of wives.
The position has attracted criticism because it could encourage women to remain in physically dangerous relationships.
Christian interpretations of marriage and submission vary considerably, and many churches and religious leaders reject the idea that biblical submission requires a spouse to endure physical abuse.
Marriage does not remove a person’s right to safety, dignity or protection from violence.
4. Pastor Warns Women Against Recording Their Husbands
The pastor also reportedly warned women against recording their husbands during marital disputes.
He argued that recording a spouse or reporting him to the police could damage the man’s reputation, threaten his employment and expose him to other consequences.
He further claimed that women could face risks involving responding police officers.
However, these warnings should not be interpreted as a reason for victims to avoid seeking help when they are in danger.
Documenting abuse may sometimes help victims establish what happened, although recording laws and safety considerations differ depending on the location.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence should prioritise personal safety rather than putting themselves at further risk to obtain evidence.
5. He Invokes Matthew 5:39 to Defend His Position
The pastor reportedly referred to Matthew 5:39 during his sermon, invoking the biblical teaching about turning the other cheek when struck.
He questioned why women should call the police after their husbands physically assault them, suggesting that the scripture should guide their response.
However, the passage has different interpretations among Christian denominations and theologians.
Many Christian leaders distinguish between responding to personal insults or humiliation and remaining in a situation involving repeated physical violence or serious danger.
Turning the other cheek is not universally understood as a command to tolerate domestic abuse or refuse assistance from authorities.
6. Pastor Identifies What He Considers an Exception
The pastor reportedly said he would make an exception for women whose husbands were certain types of individuals he described as “reprobates”.
He reportedly mentioned examples involving paedophilia and homosexuality while explaining his position.
The comments have also raised concerns about how the sermon characterises people and the circumstances in which women are permitted to seek protection.
A person’s safety should not depend on whether a religious leader considers their spouse sufficiently immoral or irredeemable.
Physical assault and domestic abuse are serious regardless of the victim’s or perpetrator’s religious beliefs, sexual orientation or personal reputation.
7. Pastor Tells Members Who Disagree to Leave His Church
The religious leader reportedly concluded his sermon by telling members who disagreed with his position to leave the church.
He also described women who report their husbands to the police as “evil feminist broads”.
The statement has further intensified criticism of his position, particularly among people who believe religious institutions should provide protection and support for victims of domestic violence.
The controversy has renewed discussions about the influence of religious teachings on relationships and whether some interpretations of submission can discourage victims from seeking assistance.
Religious leaders have an important role in supporting families, but that responsibility should not come at the expense of victims’ safety.
Why the Sermon Has Sparked Concern
The controversy surrounding the pastor’s remarks highlights a difficult issue involving religion, marriage and domestic violence.
Some victims may already face pressure from family members, religious communities or financial circumstances that make leaving abusive relationships difficult.
Messages suggesting that reporting physical assault is wicked can increase that pressure and potentially discourage victims from seeking protection.
Domestic violence is not simply a disagreement between spouses. Physical assault can cause serious injuries, psychological trauma and, in some circumstances, life-threatening consequences.
Seeking assistance from police, emergency services, trusted relatives, domestic violence organisations or qualified professionals can be an important step towards safety.
Conclusion
The pastor’s controversial sermon has generated debate after he described women who report physically abusive husbands to the police as “evil” and criticised advice encouraging victims to seek help.
His arguments, based on his interpretation of biblical teachings about submission and marriage, have raised concerns about the potential consequences for women experiencing domestic violence.
Regardless of religious beliefs or marital status, no woman should be pressured to endure physical abuse or prevented from seeking protection.
A marriage should not require someone to sacrifice their safety, and reporting an assault is not an act of wickedness.
Religious teachings should not be used to excuse violence or discourage victims from accessing help when they are in danger.
The pastor has been identified as Steven Anderson of Faithful Word Baptist Church in Arizona. According to Linda Ikeji Blog, Anderson sparked controversy after describing women who report physically abusive husbands to the police as “evil.” His remarks have also been reported by Protestia, which published excerpts from his sermon and highlighted the backlash surrounding his position.
Safety note: If someone is experiencing domestic violence, they should seek immediate help from trusted people or emergency services when necessary. No religious interpretation should prevent a person from protecting themselves from physical harm.
