Stephanie Rice: ‘Cult’ Fears Over Christian Embrace and Pastor Marriage
Stephanie Rice disclosed that people close to her, such as friends and relatives, were worried she might have become part of a religious group or movement when she showed intense enthusiasm for Christianity at the start.
38-year-old, who was once an Olympic swimmer, recently tied the knot with Pastor Mark Lassey, having only been together for ten months. Their shared faith appeared to be a significant factor in their rapid bonding.
She informed The Courier Mail this week, “Many believed I had gone mad or joined a cult, but it doesn’t matter to me.
Rice addresses such concerns by inquiring, “Don’t you feel joyful knowing that I am in a good spot?
The athlete says she has thrown herself into religion ‘100 percent’ and that doing so ‘saved her’.
Rice and her new husband, who is also a dedicated Christian, are now looking to the future.
‘We would love to (have a family) if that’s something we’re able to do,’ she said.
If Mark already has three children, it would have been quite challenging for me to consider not having more kids since I’ve harbored a long-standing desire to become a mother.
Stephanie stunned fans with a second wedding just days after her first earlier this month.
She tied the knot with her partner Mark following a whirlwind ten month romance earlier that week.
Later, Stephanie had another wedding, this time in Perth, and she gave her followers a peek into the festivities through social media posts.
In her Instagram post, she expressed that a single night was insufficient for their wonderful wedding celebration and goodbye gathering with their dearest friends, which took place at an incredible rooftop venue in a stunning city, all under the watchful eye of God.
The athlete expressed gratitude towards everyone from their family and circle of friends who traveled globally, making these unforgettable days in our lives.
Additionally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every member of our family who offered prayers, words of encouragement, and respected our love tale. Each one of you holds a significant place in our hearts, and you truly enhanced the significance of these memorable days.
At a rooftop setting filled with loved ones, they repeated their vows from the images, marking their marriage for a second time.
Instead of the original sentence, For her second wedding ceremony, Steph chose an eye-catching sleeveless silk dress and accessorized with a pair of pearl earrings that dropped gracefully.
She carried a large bouquet of white blooms while her heels were hidden by her long train.
Mark meanwhile looked dapper in a cream suit with a white shirt worn partially unbuttoned.
They celebrated late into the evening with their companions, accompanied by firework displays at the venue, as they exchanged a romantic moment with a kiss.
Earlier, it was disclosed that Stephanie tied the knot with an Australian pastor, aged 46, at a vineyard wedding held in Perth, which is his hometown.
The couple met at the start of 2024 and got engaged in September after seven months of dating.
At Sandalford Wines, where the event took place, Steph appeared as if she had just stepped straight off a wedding magazine cover, gracefully adorned in an exquisite, strapless satin dress boasting an elegant trail cascading behind her.
Instead of letting her dress speak volumes, she elegantly adorned herself only with a delicate necklace and drop earrings. Her long, wavy brown hair cascaded freely over her shoulders.
Steph admired her newly-wed spouse Mark, who looked sharp in his tuxedo, composed of a crisp white shirt, dark pants, and a stylish beige blazer.
The couple shared a video documenting the moment they were declared a married couple.
In the video, they gleamed with happiness while standing hand-in-hand under a lush, green vine-covered pergola in an open-air setting.
After walking down the aisle hand-in-hand, they became newlyweds, and people threw confetti at them. Later on, they shared a tender kiss, celebrating their new union.
After their union, they commemorated the event with their dearest relatives and acquaintances by hosting a charming outdoor gathering as the sun began to set, right within the picturesque vineyard premises.
Later in the evening, the pair kissed while sparklers lit up the sky behind them.
Steph expressed her enthusiasm about embarking on their married journey with Mark in Dubai, a place they intend to call home together.
overflowing with joy, she exclaimed: ‘Encompassed by our dearest relatives and companions, individuals who have nurtured, encouraged, and steered us along our path, they all assembled to fete our bond and the advent of an eternal union.’
Embarking on this fresh journey together as newlyweds, melding our lives into one, my heart is overflowing with joy.
The day surpassed all our expectations, brimming with love, joy, and a palpable divine essence. It seemed as if heaven had momentarily intertwined with our world.
‘Thank you to everyone who made our day so special! We are truly blessed.’
She concluded her post with a reference from the Bible, noting: “I am well aware of the remarkable future that awaits you, one meticulously planned and laid out.
My aim isn’t to cause you harm, but rather to envelop you in tranquility and abundance, and to bestow upon you a radiant future filled with optimism – Jeremiah 29:11 TPT.
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Stephanie, who recently moved to Dubai at the end of last year, has become deeply engaged with Kingdom City after joining a local church there.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Mark serves as a pastor within the same organization located in Perth, and he’s been part of that church for over a decade.
Since its founding in Perth back in 2003, Kingdom City has expanded its reach far beyond Australia. Today, it operates not only in various regions across Africa, Europe, and Asia, but also in the Middle East, demonstrating a truly global presence.
After being acquainted by a mutual friend at the beginning of 2024, they began dating, leading to their upcoming wedding in just ten months following this swift courtship.
I’ve been keeping this secret for five blissful months, but now I can finally shout it out loud! Back in July, my world turned magical when I took the leap to make our relationship official on Instagram. And then, barely a few weeks later, came the most thrilling surprise – he popped the question!
Over the past few months, Mark has lived in Perth, while Steph has relocated to Dubai, starting from November 2023. Together, they maintain their long-distance relationship.
In September, the couple made it official with their engagement announcement. Mark proposed during their visit to Dubai’s extravagant Atlantis The Royal hotel, where he asked Steph the big question.
Mark is a father to three sons – Tyler, Joel and Luke – from a previous relationship.
Previously, Steph had a romantic relationship with Dane Christison, a veteran, whom she first encountered at an Australian church.
In December 2023, they spent the holidays together in the U.S., but by May 2024, she had made a public declaration of their separation.
Stephanie removed photos of her partner from her Instagram profile as early as March, and she hasn’t referred to him for several weeks now.
The sportswoman later opened up about how she was happy their relationship had ended.
As I embarked on this new chapter, I was eager to give you all an inside look at every step along the way, moment by moment.
Recently, I experienced some profound healing. It coincided with a difficult relationship that had ended. At that moment, I sensed God’s peace enveloping me. I felt liberated, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I was genuinely happy.
At the time, Stephanie said that her new life in Dubai had lifted a weight off her shoulders.
In a moment of clarity, I acknowledged the burden I had been unknowingly shouldering. Suddenly, it seemed as if this weight was no more, leaving me in an extraordinary space that brims with joy and contentment.
She expressed that God is incredibly gracious, and she’s observing the results of the blessings He bestowed upon her. She desires to convey much more about the extraordinary events that have transpired during the last half a year.
‘Now that I have a lot more clarity, a lot more peace, and a lot more happiness.’
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2025-01-24 13:21