(LAFOLLETTE, TENNESSEE) Pastor Andrew Hamblin may want to consider switching to tongues when leading his congregation at the Tabernacle Church of God; at least it's considered a legal method of worship in Tennessee. Unfortunately, Pastor Hamblin prefers "Snake Salvation" and that has landed the reality TV star in some trouble according to law enforcement.
Operating under the radar just isn't this pastor's cup of tea. After being featured on National Geographic's reality show, Snake Salvation, Johnny-law came knocking and now Pastor Hamblin is being cited with a dangerous wildlife charge.
A live-on-the-edge kind of leader, Pastor Hamblin was fond of rattlesnakes and copperheads which were among the 40+ venomous snakes seized. The snakes have now been introduced to their new habitat at the Knoxville Zoo.
Based on reports from HLN and affiliate ABC 6 in Knoxville (WATE.COM), when police questioned the pastor about the snakes, he did not deny or delay the process. He admitted to being in possession of the illegal wildlife and even confessed to being aware of the law forbidding the dangerous snakes.
ABC 6 also reports that Pastor Hamblin has been trying to get the law repealed, claiming that it infringes on freedom of religion. "To me, telling someone what they can or cannot have in a worship service is no different than telling someone they can't have a Bible," explains the pastor.
Pastor Hamblin stated that he has always practiced snake safety by keeping them contained and advised that his congregation was always protected from harm.
Snake Salvation shall live on at the Tabernacle Church of God as Pastor Hamblin proclaims that it's going to happen "one way or another."
Campbell County Court will be expecting the pastor on November 15th, snake-free of course. Amen!
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