On Easter Sunday, a trailer filled with hundreds of Bibles was set ablaze in front of Global Vision Bible Church in Tennessee. Authorities, including the Mount Juliet Police Department and Fire Department, responded at approximately 6 a.m. after a trailer obstructing the church’s entrance caught fire. Pastor Greg Locke, freshly back from a trip to Israel, expressed his shock over the incident, which was quickly brought to the attention of law enforcement by a vigilant parishioner.
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The event occurred on one of Christianity’s most sacred days, underscoring what many perceive as a growing hostility toward religion in the United States. Pastor Locke’s remarks about the fire being “100 percent directed at” the church resonated with Americans of faith around the nation. “If you think Christianity is not under attack more than ever before in the United States of America, you have not been paying attention,” he said.
In recent years, the country has witnessed a troubling uptick in acts of vandalism and hostility toward churches and religious institutions. A comprehensive report by the Family Research Council highlights this disturbing trend, documenting a sharp increase in incidents from 2018 through 2023. In 2023 alone, there were 436 recorded acts of hostility against churches, more than double the amount reported in 2022 and significantly higher than the figures recorded in preceding years.
These incidents have varied widely in nature and severity, including vandalism, arson, gun-related incidents and bomb threats. Notably, vandalism and arson were the most common forms of hostility, with numerous churches suffering considerable damage. The increase in such incidents seems to coincide with a growing marginalization of Christian values and teachings, especially those touching on politically sensitive topics.
In a time when divisiveness often headlines the news, the unity and strength shown by the Global Vision Bible Church and its supporters offer a different narrative. It’s a narrative of resilience, faith, and a commitment not to be deterred by acts meant to sow discord. As the investigation continues, the community and its leaders have shown that while buildings can be vandalized and possessions can be destroyed, faith and spirit remain unbreakable. This event, set against Easter’s message of resurrection and hope, offers a poignant lesson in perseverance and the power of faith in overcoming darkness.
