23-time world champion Serena Williams was baptized Sunday as considered one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in a historic second for the tennis nice who just lately retired. The baptism occurred on the Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses in West Palm Seashore, Florida.
Williams, 41 years previous He was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness by her household. For starters, Jehovah’s Witnesses are a sub-sect of Christianity with a membership of round 9 million individuals.
Along with rejecting the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the sect additionally forbids the celebration of holidays akin to Easter, Christmas, birthdays, or any celebration with pagan origins. Williams and her household don’t have a good time any of those conventional Christian holidays.
Listed here are some glimpses of her baptism:
Serena Williams was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness on Sunday. Serena retired from tennis 🎾 final 12 months.#Anwa _ sports activities https://t.co/ugl9urDUVP
Who’re Jehovah’s Witnesses and what does Serena Williams take into consideration the apply?
Moreover, Jehovah’s Witnesses are required to abstain from politics, voting, and different actions talked about above.
Serena Williams‘ sister Venus Faith additionally follows, whereas her daughter Olympia can also be being raised with him. Again in 2017, the Main is a 23-time champion Inform Vogue journal that “being a Jehovah’s Witness” was essential to her and that her husband, Alexis Ohanian, was very supportive of her on this matter.
“Being a Jehovah’s Witness is essential to me, however I by no means practiced and wished to get into it. Alexis didn’t develop up going to any church, however he’s actually accepting and taking the lead. My wants come first,” Serena Williams mentioned in 2017.
In 2018, when her daughter, Olympia, turned one 12 months previous, Williams reveal it She is not going to be internet hosting a party for her daughter that 12 months, or sooner or later.
“Olympia does not have a good time birthdays,” mentioned Williams. “We’re Jehovah’s Witnesses, so we do not.”
After profitable her sixth Australian Open title in 2015, the American expressed her gratitude to “Jehovah God” throughout her victory speech.
“I’ve to thank Jehovah God for this. I used to be down and he helped me right now and I simply mentioned prayers, to not win however to be robust and to be wholesome and ultimately I made it so I’ve to offer glory to Him before everything,” Williams mentioned in 2015.
Venus Williams and Father Richard bear in mind one match that the 7-time Grand Slam champion gained “He ought to have gained.”