Kerby Anderson

Jerry Newcombe recently wrote there is “No Sanctuary in the Sanctuary.” He was describing what took place in Minnesota, which is a Sanctuary State. But the members of Cities Church in St. Paul discovered that was no sanctuary for those in the church sanctuary.

The scene inside the church was chaotic. Just glance at the affidavit filed on behalf of the victims of the anti-church protest. Agitators “intimidated, harassed, oppressed, and terrorized the parishioners, including children.”

The justification for this attack was ICE and immigration. But other church attacks over the years have been over such issues as abortion and homosexuality. Of course, we have also seen black churches attacked by racists and synagogues attacked by antisemites.

At the recent hearing for the National Religious Liberty Commission, they heard testimony of another reason for a church attack: Israel. The Mission Church in California believes that Christians should support Jewish neighbors and the Nation of Israel. The Church hosted former Israeli Congress member along with several Jewish guests and church members in attendance.

Agitators posed as guests and infiltrated the sanctuary, yelling epithets until they were escorted out. More protestors lined up inches outside the door, calling church members “Nazis” and yelling “Mission Church, you can’t hide! We charge you with genocide!” They showed up again on Easter last year and at an interfaith worship event.

First Liberty Institute represents the church. Kelly Shackelford (CEO) says that “Mobs don’t get a veto over worship.” We need to call on the Justice Department and local law enforcement to prosecute agitators. And we need to do more to protect our churches and congregations.