A controversial independent Baptist church in New Zealand, known for its extreme views and actions under the leadership of Pastor Logan Robertson.
Founding and Early Years
Westcity Bible Baptist Church was established in 2014 by Pastor Logan Robertson in Auckland, New Zealand. Robertson, born in 1981, founded the church after becoming disillusioned with what he perceived as the liberal direction of mainstream Christianity. Despite having no formal theological training, Robertson based his teachings on a literal interpretation of the King James Version of the Bible.
In its early years, the church faced numerous challenges. Initially, the congregation was small, primarily consisting of Robertson’s family members. However, it gradually grew to include more members, though never expanding beyond a few dozen attendees. The church operated on a limited budget, with Robertson working other jobs to support his family and ministry.
Doctrinal Stance and Beliefs
Westcity Bible Baptist Church identified as an independent Baptist church, adhering to several fundamentalist doctrines. These included:
- King James Version Only (KJVO): The belief that the King James Version is the only valid English translation of the Bible.
- Non-Dispensationalism: A rejection of the dispensationalist interpretation of biblical prophecy.
- Post-Tribulation Rapture: The belief that the rapture will occur after the Great Tribulation.
- Once Saved, Always Saved (OSAS): The doctrine of eternal security for believers.
- Salvation by grace through faith, not repentance of sins: Emphasizing faith alone as the means of salvation.
The church also promoted young-earth creationism, traditional gender roles, and opposition to abortion. These beliefs aligned with ultra-conservative interpretations of Christianity and set the church apart from many mainstream religious organizations.
Controversial Teachings and Actions
Homophobic Statements
Pastor Logan Robertson gained notoriety for his extreme views, particularly regarding homosexuality. He made several inflammatory statements, including suggesting that homosexuals should be shot and praying for the suicide of a gay author. The church explicitly barred homosexuals from attending their services, further fueling controversy.
Anti-Female Sentiment
Robertson also expressed anti-female sentiments, stating that women should not be allowed to vote and making derogatory comments about New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. He was quoted as saying that it’s a “curse for a nation to have a woman ruling over them” and that women belong in the kitchen.
Harassment and Public Confrontations
The church’s activities were not limited to sermons and online statements. Robertson engaged in street preaching and distributed religious tracts, which often led to confrontations with members of the public. In a particularly controversial incident, Robertson entered mosques in Australia and verbally abused worshippers, leading to his eventual deportation.
Media Attention and Public Perception
Westcity Bible Baptist Church received significant media attention due to its controversial views and actions. The church and Robertson were subject to widespread criticism from both the public and various religious organizations. The New Zealand Baptist Union publicly disassociated itself from Robertson’s church, emphasizing that it was not part of their union.
The church’s extreme stance on social issues and Robertson’s confrontational approach led to its isolation from the broader Christian community. Despite this, Robertson continued to use social media platforms to spread his message and engage in debates with those who disagreed with his beliefs.
Closure and Aftermath
The church’s controversial journey came to an end in 2018 following Robertson’s deportation from Australia. Australian authorities canceled his visa, citing character concerns and referencing his history of hate speech and extremist views. Following this incident, Westcity Bible Baptist Church in Auckland effectively ceased operations.
After the church’s closure, Robertson reportedly relocated to the Philippines with his family, where they were involved in leading the Pillar Baptist Church in Davao City. However, Robertson later returned to New Zealand, where he continues to be a figure of contention due to his views and teachings.
The closure of Westcity Bible Baptist Church marked the end of its brief but controversial existence in New Zealand’s religious landscape. Despite its limited size and short lifespan, the church left a lasting impact on public discourse surrounding religious extremism and hate speech in the country.
image via Newshub
