Religious & Political Movements

Is The Stirring ‘Bethel-Lite?’: Pastor Nate Edwardson Responds

By Annelise Pierce ● News ● November 7, 2022 November 7, 2022

Some call The Stirring “Bethel-lite.” We asked for more information on what connections there might be between the two churches and whether The Stirring shares some of Bethel’s most controversial theology.

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Elections 2022: Some Say Bethel And City Council Politics Don’t Mix. Here’s Why.

By Annelise Pierce ● News ● November 7, 2022 November 7, 2022

Several of the candidates running for the Redding City Council this fall are connected to Bethel Church. Some in the community worry about how the church’s out-sized funding and theological beliefs, including the 7 Mountains Mandate, might impact local political candidates.

Meet Tenessa Audette for City Council

By Annelise Pierce ● News ● October 15, 2022 October 31, 2022

There are three seats open for this November’s election for Redding City Council. Candidate Tenessa Audette says she decided to run because those she tried to recruit for office were intimidated by Shasta County’s tense political climate.

“How About We ‘Take The Land’ and ‘Bring Heaven to Earth’”: Gubernatorial Candidate Brian Dahle Hopes Mobilizing The Religious Right Will Help Him Win California

By Annelise Pierce ● Religious & Political Movements ● August 1, 2022 August 1, 2022

A recent conversation Dahle had on controversial worship leader and political activist Sean Feucht’s podcast highlights the collaborative political strategizing that is occurring between America’s dominionist Christian leaders and conservative politicians. Together, Dahle and Feucht are pushing hard for more Christian influence on California policy.

Bethel Claims Miracles. What Proof Do They Have?

By Annelise Pierce ● Bethel Church ● February 13, 2022 July 8, 2022

Stories of healings at Redding’s Bethel Church draw faith-filled visitors each year. But Bethel has not yet provided proof of a single medically verified miracle. Shasta Scout discusses the medical research organization hoping to change that, and how faith tourism contributes to Bethel’s revenue.

“There’s a Day Coming When The Media Will Have to Pay”: Tensions Continue to Mount in Shasta County

By Annelise Pierce ● “Patriot” Movement ● January 17, 2022 July 8, 2022

Vaguely threatening statements towards the media were made as a part of a recent podcast produced by Red, White and Blueprint, an effort to document attempts to recall Shasta County Supervisor Leonard Moty. The statements came just after reports of credible threats of violence against several supervisors. A special election to consider Moty’s recall will take place February 1.

black and white image with young man's back to camera and arms raised in worship

Bethel Senior Leader Sees Similarities Between Women Who’ve Had Abortions And School Shooters

By Annelise Pierce ● Bethel Church ● December 12, 2021 July 8, 2022

Kris Vallotton helps run Bethel Church, a Redding megachurch that has national and international influence. He also sits on the board of Advance Redding, the non-profit that runs Redding’s Civic Auditorium.

Grey haired man in Hawaiin shirt stands at a modern podium in a dim room.

Bethel Church’s Bill Johnson Compares COVID Vaccines to “Mark of the Beast”

By Annelise Pierce ● Bethel Church ● October 15, 2021 July 8, 2022

Bethel Church, a Redding megachurch that claims to perform miraculous healings, has been the center of controversy over statements and actions related to COVID. Neither Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry nor Bethel Christian School require masks for students.

Homeland Security Issues Terrorism Advisory Bulletin With Implications for Shasta County

By Annelise Pierce ● “Patriot” Movement ● May 18, 2021 July 8, 2022

“The update has important implications for Shasta County, where both online and in-person violent speech and threats against local government officials and other county residents has occurred over the past year.”

Bethel Shares Statement Opposing the Equality Act

By Annelise Pierce ● Bethel Church ● April 12, 2021 July 8, 2022

“The Equality Act seeks to create equality by erasing gender, but God created them male and female and said that it is good,” reads one slide, with four accompanying Bible verse references. Another reads, “real equality celebrates the differences between men and women and empowers them both.”