Straitway Truth Ministries

Straitway Truth Ministries
AbbreviationSTM
TypeHebrew Israelites
OrientationAfrican American religion
TheologyBiblical literalism
StructureCommunal living
Head PastorCharles Dowell Jr.
RegionUnited States
HeadquartersMacon County, Tennessee
Chapters12
Other namesStraitway Truth Ministry,
Straitway Ministries,
Straitway
Official websitehttps://straitway.com/
Legacy websitehttps://straitwaytruth.com/

Straitway Truth Ministries, also known as Straitway Truth Ministry, Straitway Ministries, and Straitway, is a Hebrew Israelites based near Lafayette, Tennessee that preaches biblical literalism.[1] Led by Charles Dowell Jr., Straitway describes itself as "a nation of Hebrew Israelites who are commandment keepers; obedient to Yah (God) & our savior, Jesus the Christ."[2]

Straitway operates around a dozen chapters around the United States and encourages members to live together in isolated communities.[3] The group has been accused of being a cult and has faced allegations of abuse and financial exploitation.[4]

Straitway counts several former professional American football players, including former National Football League Pro Bowl selections Daniel Muir, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Robert Mathis, as members.[5]

References

  1. ^ Kahler, Kalyn (July 14, 2020). "Pray for Kabeer, Chapter I: The School Play, the Minister of Defense and the Fall of a Hero". Sports Illustrated.
  2. ^ Porter Tilley, Jenny; Sarah Nelson (June 29, 2024). "Where is Bryson Muir? What to know about missing Indiana teen, police investigation". Indianapolis Star.
  3. ^ Kahler, Kalyn (July 4, 2024). "Ex-Colts DL Daniel Muir arrested after missing son found safe". ESPN.
  4. ^ Kahler, Kalyn (July 15, 2020). "Pray for Kabeer, Chapter II: The Pastor, the 'Cult' and Its Troubled Past". Sports Illustrated.
  5. ^ Kahler, Kalyn (July 16, 2020). "Pray for Kabeer, Chapter III: The Followers, the Courtroom Drama and the Next Chapter". Sports Illustrated.