Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.

Click for 65% off Shipping with Reptiles 2 You
https://www.crepnw.com/
Click for 65% off Shipping with Reptiles 2 You

minister dies from snakebite during service [press item]

budman 1st Apr 14, 2004 05:43 PM

Minister Dies From Snakebite During Easter Service At Church

ROSE HILL, Va. -- A preacher bitten by a rattlesnake as he handled it during an Easter service at a rural church died after refusing medical treatment, authorities said.

The Rev. Dwayne Long died a day after being bitten on a finger during a service at his church, where members believe ritual serpent-handling is a form of obedience to God, said Sheriff Gary Parsons.

"We don't anticipate any charges," he said. "That's their belief."

No one attending the service at the Pentecostal church sought medical help, Parsons said. Members believe when people die from a snakebite during a service, it is a sign that it was their time to go.

http://www.wftv.com/news/3004502/detail.html
Link

-----
Bud

Replies (2)

bachman Apr 16, 2004 12:24 PM

It's a shame that if it was a private keeper who was bit, they would be all about trying to make it illegal to keep venomous, but for religious people, it's fine & dandy.

Chad

Nathan Wells Apr 21, 2004 02:18 AM

in all honesty, death kills stupidity!
One for the snake!
Nathan

Site Tools