Tim Steller

The story behind millions of dollars amassed by a fringe religious sect includes the distribution of recorded sermons by its dead prophet and tributes paid worldwide.

Strict tithing mandates, real estate purchases and mortgage lending marked the financial practices of a Tucson church. "I can't believe I was so stupid," one former member said.

Her father was a 'Message' pastor — and then he started a polygamous cult

For Star subscribers: The U of A cut 13 vice presidents but increased the administrative payroll. That, and an effort to move administrators into the Student Union, show it'll be

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.

Tucson's Sabino Canyon is a pilgrimage site for followers of preacher William Branham. He said he had mystical experiences there, including a sword materializing in his hand.

After he left his strict Tucson church, deacons went to Robert Roa's work to bring him back, he said. Leaving the church was hard, and getting over the experience took

Tucsonan Marissa Butterfuss tried to make it as a woman and wife in The Message, but marriage to a devout man proved disastrous. By leaving she revealed a whole new

Dancing for the first time. Celebrating holidays. Seeing the ocean. For people in one strict Tucson church, leaving has meant freedom to do 'wrong' things that others find normal.

It costs Tucson an estimated $10 million per year to cover the cost of fare-free bus rides. City officials could lock that in by putting it on one of next