23-time world champion Serena Williams was baptized Sunday as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in a historic moment for the tennis great who recently retired. The baptism took place at the Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Williams, 41, was raised in her family as a Jehovah’s Witness. For starters, Jehovah’s Witnesses are a sub-sect of Christianity with a membership of around nine million people.
In addition to rejecting the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the sect also forbids the celebration of holidays such as Easter, Christmas, birthdays, or any celebration with pagan origins. Williams and her family do not celebrate any of these traditional Christian holidays.
Here are some glimpses of her baptism:
#Anwa _ sports
Serena Williams was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness on Sunday. Serena retired from tennis 🎾 last year.#Anwa _ sports https://t.co/ugl9urDUVP
Who are Jehovah’s Witnesses and what does Serena Williams think about the practice?
Venus Williams and Father Richard remember one match that the 7-time Grand Slam champion should have won