(AP) The pastor of a Kentucky church that handles snakes in religious rites was among 10 people arrested by wildlife officers in a crackdown on the venomous snake trade.
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Handling snakes is practiced in a handful of fundamentalist churches across Appalachia, based on the interpretation of Bible verses saying true believers can take up serpents without being harmed. The practice is illegal in most states, including Kentucky.
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NOTE: The Bible verses referenced in the news report above are among twelve verses that were added to the end of Mark by a later scribe and were not originally contained in that Gospel.
The verses referenced are:
Mark 16:17-18
These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons and they will speak in tongues. And they will take up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any poison it will not harm them, and they will lay their hands on the sick and they will become well.
