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Tucson church ignored health officials as COVID spread through congregation
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Tucson church ignored health officials as COVID spread through congregation

From the Twisted Message: A prophet’s unchecked global sect series
  • Nov 12, 2024
  • Nov 12, 2024 Updated Jun 2, 2025
Flooding at Sabino Canyon
Flooding at Sabino Canyon
Stranded visitors at Sabino Canyon
Stranded visitors at Sabino Canyon
JoAnna Mendoza announces win to a crowd of eager supporters
JoAnna Mendoza announces win to a crowd of eager supporters
U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., at election night watch party
U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., at election night watch party
Heavy rain in Tucson brings out the wash watchers
Heavy rain in Tucson brings out the wash watchers
Weather delay in effect at Arizona Band Day, Oct. 31
Weather delay in effect at Arizona Band Day, Oct. 31
JoAnna Mendoza speaks to the press after declaring victory
JoAnna Mendoza speaks to the press after declaring victory
Tucson weather forecast for November 1
Tucson weather forecast for November 1
Kevin Volk, who represents Arizona's 17th district in the State House of Representatives, speaks at JoAnna Mendoza election night event
Kevin Volk, who represents Arizona's 17th district in the State House of Representatives, speaks at JoAnna Mendoza election night event
Tucson weather forecast for October 31
Tucson weather forecast for October 31
Tucson's Top Stories: November 2
Tucson's Top Stories: November 2
Tucson's Top Stories: November 1
Tucson's Top Stories: November 1
Tucson weather forecast for October 30
Tucson weather forecast for October 30
VIDEO: Arizona vs. Texas Tech on College Football 27
VIDEO: Arizona vs. Texas Tech on College Football 27
Rio Grande performs as guests arrive to JoAnna Mendoza’s election night event
Rio Grande performs as guests arrive to JoAnna Mendoza’s election night event
Tucson Fire: 1 person injured in two-alarm fire
Tucson Fire: 1 person injured in two-alarm fire
Kirsten Engel, former Arizona State Senator, speaks at JoAnna Mendoza election night event
Kirsten Engel, former Arizona State Senator, speaks at JoAnna Mendoza election night event
The Wildcast: Previewing the Arizona-Texas Tech game, other Big 12 matchups
The Wildcast: Previewing the Arizona-Texas Tech game, other Big 12 matchups
U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani at election night watch party
U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani at election night watch party
Tucson weather forecast for October 29
Tucson weather forecast for October 29
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As COVID ripped through a Tucson church, killing members, public-health officials couldn't get a response from church leaders.

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More in Twisted Message: A prophet’s unchecked global sect (20 of 37)

Tucson's Sabino Canyon a pilgrimage site for followers of 'prophet' Branham

Read more

In this Series

Twisted Message: A prophet’s unchecked global sect

1

Updated Jul 6, 2026 article

Mass starvation, a doomsday colony: 'The Message' inspires dangerous ‘cults’ worldwide

2

Updated Jun 2, 2025 article

From backwoods boy to 20th century 'prophet': How William Branham gained a global following

3

Updated Apr 18, 2025 video

'The Message' religious sect sprouts destructive groups across globe

37 updates

As featured on

Health officials ignored as pandemic raged through Tucson church

Health officials ignored as pandemic raged through Tucson church

The COVID fatality rate in a Tucson church was 10 times higher than that of Pima County, estimates show. The pastor ignored health officials and continued services as congregants died.

Twisted Message: A prophet’s unchecked global sect

Twisted Message: A prophet’s unchecked global sect

A religious sect called “The Message” has spread worldwide — and also sprouted destructive “…

'The Message' religious sect sprouts destructive groups across globe

'The Message' religious sect sprouts destructive groups across globe

Leaders influenced by the late Rev. William Branham have overseen controlling religious groups worldwide. Get caught up on the investigative series.

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