Nationwide — Allie Thompson, an African American aged lady from Scott County, Mississippi, was dragged out of her church by sheriff deputies on Father’s Day after she and different members violated a court docket order banning them from attending companies. The incident highlighted deeper tensions over church management and the removing of longtime roles with out discover.
Video from the service at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church exhibits Thompson being pulled from the mom’s board part by two deputies. She will be heard shouting, “You’re hurting me,” as they dragged her towards the door. Thompson later mentioned the deputies wrestled her to the ground and twisted her arm throughout the removing.
In keeping with WLBT, Sheriff Mike Lee confirmed that Thompson and 6 others had been below a court docket order since October 2024. The order adopted an altercation in September that allegedly concerned threats and bodily assault towards a deacon, who needed to be hospitalized, and different church members.
Regardless of the court docket order, Thompson and others confirmed up for service. The sheriff claimed deputies initially tried to get Thompson to depart peacefully however had to make use of pressure after she refused to conform.
Tensions at Mt. Olive had already been rising. A number of members say they had been all of a sudden faraway from long-standing roles. Addie Johnson, who had taught Sunday College for many years, mentioned she was unexpectedly changed that morning with none rationalization.
Thompson believes the battle started when she and others questioned the management of Pastor Charles Bell. She accused him of creating choices with out following the church’s bylaws, together with appointing a finance committee with out a vote.
She additionally claimed her husband, the church’s oldest deacon, was ignored of key choices. “He makes choices with out his information,” she mentioned.
Furthermore, Thompson denies being concerned within the September altercation and says her lengthy historical past on the church proves her dedication and respect for the congregation.
The ultimate determination on the group’s membership will probably be made by a church vote later this July.
