A church in Mississippi that had filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s coronavirus restrictions was found burned down next to a graffiti message.
The First Pentecostal Church of Holly Springs began burning sometime between 2-4 a.m. on Wednesday morning, followed by an explosion. Police believe an act of criminal arson took place, and investigators said a message was found spray-painted in the parking lot reading, “I Bet you stay home now you hypokrits.”
“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,” Thomas More Society senior counsel and lawyer for the church, Stephen Crampton, told Fox News. “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,” he said.
Pastor Jerry Waldrop filed a lawsuit last month alleging that police officers disrupted an Easter service by issuing the church a citation for not following social distancing guidelines and restrictions on gatherings. A judge later ruled that the church could hold drive-thru services during the pandemic.
“These were outrageous violations of these parishioners’ rights,” Crampton said at the time of the ruling. “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.”
Officials are offering a reward for tips on the arson investigation.
