Straitway Truth Ministry, also known as Straitway Truth Ministries and Straitway Ministries, is a Black Hebrew Israelites religious group based in Lafayette, Tennessee that preaches biblical literalism.[1] Led by Pastor Charles Dowell, Straitway describes itself as "a nation of Hebrew Israelites who are commandment keepers; obedient to Yah (God) & our savior, Jesus the Christ."[2]
Straitway operates around a dozen chapters around the United States and encourages members to live together in isolated communities.[3] The group has been accused of being a cult and has faced allegations of abuse and financial exploitation.[4]
Straitway counts several former professional American football players, including former National Football League Pro Bowl selections Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Robert Mathis, as members.[5]