Texas Pastors Spark Firestorm with Viral Remarks on Women's Roles
The digital landscape has erupted into a firestorm of controversy following a viral video on X, formerly known as Twitter. Joel Webbon, a Texas pastor leading Right Response Ministries, and his co-host Wesley Todd are facing intense and widespread backlash over inflammatory remarks targeting women's roles in society and the church.
Viral Clip Captures Controversial Statements
The clip, highlighted by Right Wing Watch, captures the duo arguing that female leadership represents an "offense to God." In the video, Todd claimed that according to scripture and nature, "women need to shut up." He elaborated by stating, "They need to be quiet, they don't get to call shots, they don't get to rule because they do stupid things."
Webbon agreed with his co-host, acknowledging that the statement might sound harsh and un-Christian but insisting it was "so biblical and pleasing to God." He specifically outlined arenas where women should remain silent, including the public square, civil government positions, church leadership, positions of authority, and household decision-making with men as the "federal head" of the family.
"Absolutely, Wes is right, women, shut up!" Webbon declared in the video. He further characterized women speaking out as "literally an offense to God!"
Online Backlash and Criticism
Numerous netizens took to social media platforms to condemn Todd and Webbon for their remarks. One user wrote, "But I thought the right-wing men supported and loved women? Hmm- seems all they want is CONTROL. TOTAL CONTROL." Another commented, "They seem to forget that God appointed Queen Esther to lead an army. Time to study up."
A third critic claimed, "When Joel Webbon and his bros get tired of dehumanizing Black people, they switch to dehumanizing women." The online response has been overwhelmingly critical, with many accusing the pastors of promoting misogyny under the guise of religious doctrine.
Context from Controversial Podcast Episode
The controversial clip originated from a recent episode of their podcast titled 'Homosexuals, Jezebels & Why England is becoming Catholic.' In this episode, they criticized the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the Archbishop of Canterbury, calling it contrary to "scripture and nature."
Todd and Webbon cited examples including Mullally, whom they described as "pro-abortion," and an Indian Anglican priestess who reportedly recommended using sex toys for joy. They used these examples to bolster their claims that women should remain quiet in leadership positions.
Webbon added that for a woman to find a good man, she should be "quiet, peaceable, and stop competing with men."
Additional Controversial Content
In another video aired on their YouTube channel NXR Studios, the duo claimed that female pastors were not permitted in the church because it was the "word of God." They stated they followed this teaching because they were conservatives and because women were "incapable" of performing pastoral duties effectively.
Webbon even suggested he would change the voting system to a more "representative" model where males—brothers, fathers, and husbands—would vote on behalf of their entire families. Some of their videos feature shocking titles such as 'A godly woman wears what her husband wants' and 'The Era of Girl Boss is Over.'
Pattern of Controversial Statements
This incident does not represent an isolated occurrence for the duo. Previously, in February 2025, Todd faced criticism for claiming pregnant women should not be allowed to serve in public office, calling the idea "stupid." Webbon has made multiple similar remarks in their videos over time, establishing a pattern of controversial statements regarding gender roles.
The ongoing controversy highlights deep divisions in contemporary discussions about gender, religion, and societal roles. As the video continues to circulate online, the backlash against Webbon and Todd shows no signs of abating, with critics accusing them of promoting harmful stereotypes and undermining gender equality under religious pretext.
