Local authorities said there was an explosion in the front of the church, and the building caught fire sometime between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Wednesday. Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Major Kelly McMillian told the local news that the fire is being investigated as a criminal act of arson.

It appears the church was targeted because it continued to hold services during the coronavirus shutdowns. Lawyers with the pro-life Thomas More Society are representing the church in court after Pastor Jerry Waldrop was cited by local authorities for holding services on Easter.

It is important to note, that in April the church won a victory in federal court when a judge allowed it to stay open for drive-thru services, according to the report.

“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.” lawyer Stephen Crampton said. 

Churches across the country have been fighting to stay open amid the shutdowns, pointing to how abortion facilities are allowed to keep killing unborn babies in elective abortions but pastors cannot hold services – supposedly because it could jeopardize people’s lives or health.

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