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 passed off 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 folks.
Along with rejecting the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the sect additionally forbids the celebration of holidays comparable to Easter, Christmas, birthdays, or any celebration with pagan origins. Williams and her household don’t have fun 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 observe?
Moreover, Jehovah’s Witnesses are required to abstain from politics, voting, and different actions talked about above. They’re additionally prohibited from attending weddings of different religions.
Serena Williams‘ sister Venus Faith additionally follows, whereas her daughter Olympia can be being raised with him. Again in 2017, Main is a 23-time champion Inform Vogue journal that “being a Jehovah’s Witness” was necessary to her and that her husband, Alexis Ohanian, was very supportive of her on this matter.
“Being a Jehovah’s Witness is necessary 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 stated in 2017.
In 2018, when her daughter, Olympia, turned one 12 months previous, Williams reveal it She won’t be internet hosting a celebration for her daughter that 12 months, or sooner or later.
“Olympia would not have fun birthdays,” stated 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 at the moment and I simply stated prayers, to not win however to be robust and to be wholesome and in the long run I made it so I’ve to present glory to Him initially,” Williams stated 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.”