From Pulpit to Politics: Pastor Isaac Noriega’s Rejection of Civic Participation

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At the time of writing this blog post, the United States is about to hold a pivotal election with close polling and passionate support from both sides.  Every vote counts, and Americans shouldn’t take for granted the privilege of helping choose future leaders. Arizona, (including Tucson) is a swing state, so Arizonans’ votes have a significant impact. However, despite this, the large Golden Dawn Tabernacle congregation members rarely vote, and if they do, they cast their votes in secret to avoid the pastor’s discovery.

Isaac Noriega, pastor of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle (GDT) in Tucson, Arizona, has cultivated an environment within his church that heavily discourages interaction with the general public. His leadership style promotes extreme isolationism, opposing government involvement, including voting, and strict rules controlling personal lives. Noriega’s teachings emphasize absolute church loyalty and rejection of outside influences, especially government institutions.

Examination of Pastor Isaac Noriega’s Anti-Government World View

Noriega’s sermons often feature comments and theories suggesting that America is doomed, morally corrupt, controlled by powerful entities like the Catholic Church and “Wall-street Jews”, and that the nation has turned away from God. These sentiments, combined with teachings about a future government crackdown on the church, keep the congregation on edge, fostering a climate of fear. Isaac further discourages civic engagement, teaching that voting is pointless since the nation is already beyond saving. He reinforces this fear by discussing conspiracy theories like the new world order and future nuclear attacks from Russia. His teachings reveal a deep skepticism toward various subjects of society, questioning the safety of hybrid foods and GMOs, the value of education, the legitimacy of taxation, and the reliability of modern medicine. He also portrays technological advancements as spiritually problematic. We are mentioning some of these views (some of which are shared by others) simply to give a better idea of what forms Noriega’s overall world view.

Isaac’s anti-government stance has also fostered a stigma against law enforcement within the congregation. He strictly prohibits members from enlisting in the military or pursuing any career in law enforcement. This anti-authority perspective contributes to a culture where issues like domestic violence are rarely, if ever, reported. Alarmingly, there’s even hesitation among members to call an ambulance or paramedics in medical emergencies; for further context, see our article on the tragic death of Jerusalem Loza. Additionally, our previous articles on the treatment of women and marriage in GDT provide insight into these dynamics.

However, some of these positions appear deeply ironic given Isaac’s own history of military service in the 1960s, his access to no-cost medical care through the VA, and even his son’s service in the Navy. Additionally, the congregation is encouraged to utilize government welfare programs such as Medicare, food stamps, WIC, and AHCCCS. According to some members, Isaac has privately encouraged practices like not reporting cash income to qualify for these programs or unemployment benefits. During the 2020 COVID pandemic, several church-affiliated businesses also took advantage of government-funded PPP loans, which were later forgiven—a public record that can be verified. While there’s nothing wrong with participating in these programs, particularly during difficult times, the situation shows the irony in light of Isaac’s teachings.

A striking example of the consequences of this extreme worldview is the loss of lives within the church during the COVID outbreak. Despite the government’s guidelines and warnings on holding services, Noriega downplayed the virus’s severity, likely contributing to severe illnesses and fatalities within the congregation. We’ve written in detail on this topic, highlighting how his dismissal of health precautions affected the church community. Recently, we obtained an audio recording from a church service held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, where Pastor Isaac Noriega shares his commentary on COVID-19. An audio snippet from that service is linked below, capturing his views on the pandemic.

Transcript linked here.

In this video, Noriega expresses frustration with medical science, accusing doctors of lacking common sense and being primarily interested in experimenting. He also shares his displeasure with the Pima County Health Department’s efforts to reach out to him, attempting to provide educational information about the pandemic, mask mandates, and related health guidelines. We’ve previously explored these themes in depth in our articles linked below. (link1, link2).

A particularly revealing comment Noriega makes in the video is:

“If you want to wear a mask and sit right there, you’re welcome to do it. You know, I won’t, I won’t come against you. That’s all the faith you have.”

This statement implies that wearing a mask or sitting in the church balcony to socially distance reflects a lack of faith, subtly pressuring congregants to forgo masks and sit in the main seating area. Notably, just a few weeks later, he reversed his stance, prohibiting mask-wearing entirely and requiring everyone to return to their usual seats, effectively abandoning the balcony option. This shift demonstrates him going back on his word and ultimately coming against those who chose to wear masks and sit apart.

Side note: It is quite interesting that some congregants have granted Power of Attorney privileges to Isaac instead of to their own family members. This unusual level of authority given to the pastor underscores the church’s authoritarian structure and the strong emphasis placed on pastoral loyalty over familial ties.

Voting Discouraged as a Means of Control

Isaac actively discourages his followers from voting, viewing political engagement as a threat to spiritual purity and a waste of effort, as he believes the nation is beyond saving—an attitude the authors of this blog have directly observed during GDT church services. His control over congregants extends well beyond elections; he monitors internet use, interactions with non-church members, and even employment choices. In one instance, his influence over a member’s employer led to the dismissal of an congregate employee who was found socializing with non-believers, highlighting the strict separation he enforces from the outside world. Additionally, he has imposed punitive measures and publicly shamed congregants for attending political rallies, further reinforcing his disapproval of any form of civic engagement.

More alarmingly, Noriega teaches that women should not have the right to vote, blaming the 19th Amendment for the nation’s perceived decline. He openly disparages democracy, calling it “mob rule” and “all sails with no anchor.” This disdain for democratic process extends to the church itself, where he bypasses elections by appointing elders, deacons, and trustees directly, claiming they are divinely chosen. In some cases, he falsely claimed that trustees “participated” in these appointments, as seen in the contested appointment of Matthew Noriega as Associate Pastor.

By discouraging participation in both public and church elections, Noriega’s teachings serve to further isolate members from mainstream society and consolidate his control. This approach not only curtails congregants’ civic rights but aligns with patterns seen in authoritarian religious movements that suppress individual autonomy and critical thinking.

The Call to Reclaim Civic Rights

It’s crucial for individuals to understand the value of their civic duties, including the right to vote. Voting goes beyond a simple civic responsibility—it is a fundamental way to influence the future of our communities and uphold democratic values. No religious leader or institution should have the authority to discourage or prevent members from participating in their country’s political process.

For those who have experienced pressure to abstain from voting, remember that voting is a personal right and an expression of your voice. By participating, you contribute to the principles of freedom and equality that form the foundation of democracy.

To the congregants at GDT: do not let Pastor Isaac Noriega’s teachings dissuade you from exercising your right to vote. Break free from this undue influence and make your voice heard. Your vote matters, and it’s a powerful tool to ensure leaders—whether within the church or in public office—are accountable to the people.

Do you have any information you’d like to share about this topic? Feel free to comment below, or you can contact us directly at our Contact Us page or via our social media accounts below.

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