A group of Atlantans in Georgia, USA have begun a church that focuses solely on worshipping none other than Queen Bey herself.
The National Church of Bey gathers to sing the former Destiny's Child member's hits every Sunday. Known to have some of the most dedicated fans in the world, whom she refers to as 'Beys', Beyoncé has achieved not only global fame but a cult following. Most would agree, however, that considering the pop star a deity is taking fandom to a whole new level.
On the group's somewhat tongue-in-cheek website, founder 'Minister Diva' Pauline John Andrews criticises those who have condemned the church's views and calls for a willingness to be open to their unusual beliefs.
"We are very disappointed in the failure of the public to recognise the existence of a divine Deity walking among them. Deity's often walk the Earth in their flesh form. Beyoncé will transcend back to the spirit once her work here on Mother Earth has been completed," she writes.
"As our congregation begins to swell, we ask that you consider what is more real; an invisible spirit on high, or a walking, talking breathing Goddess who shows you her true form daily...While we do not believe Beyoncé to be the Creator, we recognise that she still sits among the throne of Gods.
"We humbly ask you to respect our beliefs, just as you want those to respect yours. Open your mind to new possibilities and you will see, just as we did, that Bey is a true higher power."
The group is apparently in the process of producing 'Beybles' which will be distributed to the public. "After hearing the divine word written out in the Beyble, we assure you that you too can walk in the truth and reach a deep level of understanding. It may sound odd at first, but you just need a formal introduction to the word," the church adds.
"Mother Bey is worthy of your praise."
According to satirical website TheNewsNerd, Andrews suggests that there are millions of practising 'Beyists' around the world.
"Whenever you see a large group of women defending the actions of her divine divaness, Bey, they are practising Beyism," she is reported to have said.
"It is not about believing she rose from the dead, or that she is perfect or anything like that, it is about recognising that she is the Divine Diva that we all strive to be."
It is unclear whether the group is genuine, or rather is being used as an opportunity to satirise those with religious beliefs, but most assume the latter.
A rumour has already been spread that a member of the church, a 23-year-old young woman by the name of Taniya Hattersfield, "sacrificed" herself by inflicting stab wounds to her chest. This story has been revealed as untrue, however.
Despite widespread criticism, the church shows no sign of closing its doors and has expressed a desire to ask the 'goddess' herself to come and preach.
"Donations have poured in and we will soon have enough to build a temple in honor of Mother Bey. We will invite her to speak to her flock, once the doors are open," Andrews has revealed.
Beyoncé has not yet commented on the church's activity.
