Freedom of religion has been at the center of debate during this mandated lockdown throughout the country.
Some churches, however, have remained open to let members celebrate their faith, which has caused a massive clash with local government.
It now appears some members of the local community took matters into their own hands and burned down a Mississippi church so it could no longer offer services to the community.
Burn Them Down
The First Pentecostal Church of Holly Springs was set afire early Wednesday morning.
The congregation of the church has been in a prolonged legal battle to allow the church to continue to hold its regular services during the lockdown.
According to reports, the blaze started somewhere between two and four a.m. Wednesday morning.
Local authorities stated that the walls of the church had been painted with graffiti and the fire is now being investigated as an arson fire.
First Pentacostal Church Holly Springs. Arson is Suspected. Investigators say the church was spray painted with graffiti…
Posted by Tom Dees FOX13 Memphis on Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Senior Counsel for the church, Stephen Crampton (Thomas More Society) told Fox News that “I Bet you stay home now you hypokrits” was spray-painted on the wall.
He added, “We’re in a time where I don’t think it’s any secret that there’s a growing hostility toward churches, across the board.
“And now, here are churches like First Pentecostal that are sort of stirring up the waters by being outspoken and somewhat firm about seeking to protect their Constitutional rights.
“They’ve had bad comments [sent their way] on social media. … There is just a segment that takes issue with the church standing up, and the church just being the church.”
Law on Their Side
The first round of legal battles fell in favor of the church, with Judge Michael P. Mills allowing the church to stay open for drive-thru services.
At the time of his ruling, he stated, “These were outrageous violations of these parishioners’ rights.
“On both occasions, Holly Springs law enforcement personnel ignored the fact that all church members present were practicing social distancing and complying with all applicable health requirements.
“Bible study attendees were threatened with criminal citations for violation of Holly Springs’ Stay Home Order.”
With the church now destroyed by the fire, the ruling now seems mute, but this issue is far from over.
Mississippi’s governor was horrified when he heard about the fire…
I am heartbroken and furious. In Mississippi, a church was just burned to the ground. They had been trying to open services. There was graffiti on the lot which read “Bet you stay home now you hypocrites.”
What is this pandemic doing to us? We need prayer for this country. pic.twitter.com/TdGHqs9evv
— Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) May 21, 2020
Not to belittle his comments, but we need a lot more than prayer if we hope to keep our rights intact on the other side of this.
There is a clear line being drawn between liberals and conservatives right now that is pointing to some major confrontations and conflicts as this pandemic continues to play out.
Updated: 2:17pm 5.21.2020
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