On April 28, 2024, WKYT News reported that Clay Mill Baptist Church in Kentucky observed “Law Enforcement Sunday” and that the congregation “heard a sermon by an unexpected figure,” the local police chief. [1] This was a church-sponsored Sunday worship service that had a “heavy police presence.” Whenever a local police chief preaches in church on Sunday dressed in full uniform with a visible firearm and accompanied by his deputies, he sends a message that blurs the line between law enforcement and worship. Furthermore, the presence of a weapon by a police chief speaking about Jesus during sacred worship can create a sense of coercion, which could compromise the neutrality and impartiality expected of our state and government agencies.
The local news reported the following:
• “There was a heavy police presence at a local church Sunday morning but not in the way you might think. Clays Mill Baptist Church in Nicholasville invited law enforcement to their service for ‘Law Enforcement Sunday’.” [1]
• “Chief Weathers spoke to members of the church about what it means to serve.” [1]
• “Committed service requires direct involvement. That means reaching out, and to meet people where they are. Jesus traveled to the people. He brought faith to them and his only ask was that you follow him in service,” said Chief Weathers.” [1]
When Protestant churches hold worship services on the papal Sabbath with police departments, sheriffs’ offices, or federal law enforcement agencies, you know that the day of persecution is quickly approaching for those who refuse to honor the counterfeit day of worship. This is almost certainly a conflict of interest, because those who observe the true biblical Sabbath will one day be accused of being the enemies of “law and order” for “breaking down the moral restraints of society” (Great Controversy, p. 592). Whenever the dignitaries of church and state unite on Sunday to worship, it raises concern about the appropriate use of authority and power.
“The dignitaries of church and State will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected. In the soon-coming conflict we shall see exemplified the prophet’s words: “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Great Controversy, p. 592).
Sources
[1] https://www.wkyt.com/2024/04/28/police-invited-church-service-law-enforcement-sunday/
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He could have done it without being uniform.