Shelby County, Kentucky is at the center of a growing controversy after a local church group admitted to checking out books with LGBTQ+ themes only to never return them. That’s right: the group has been systematically “borrowing” these books in what they proudly call an “act of civil disobedience.” Most people are just calling it what it is: theft.
The Reformation Church of Shelbyville, along with its affiliated group Reformation Frontline Missions, is openly encouraging its members to hit the library shelves, grab any books with homosexual characters or themes, and keep them permanently. Their reasoning? They believe the books promote what they call “sodomy, gender confusion and rebellion against God.” In fact, pastors Jerry Dorris and Tanner Cartwright, along with evangelist Austin Keeler, admitted to Kentucky Lantern that they’ve urged Christians “both locally and across the country” to do the same thing in their own communities.
Pamela Wilson Federspiel, the library’s director, didn’t mince words when she called the act exactly what it is, stealing. After all, libraries exist to serve everyone in the community, not just people who agree with one particular belief system. By intentionally removing books and refusing to return them, the church isn’t just making a statement; they’re actively stripping away someone else’s access to knowledge, history, and stories that reflect who they are.
Kentucky Church Steals Library Books In The Name Of Religion
Naturally, the internet has had a field day with this one. On Reddit, the debate exploded almost immediately, with some cheering the church on while many more pointed out the hypocrisy. Several commenters bluntly said that their behavior is not in line with Christian values, adding that robbing people of their right to read hardly counts as moral high ground. Others pointed out the obvious irony: what’s more rebellious than breaking the law under the banner of religious purity?
This Kentucky drama also shines a light on a bigger national conversation. Across the U.S., challenges to books featuring LGBTQ+ themes have been skyrocketing in schools and libraries. Some communities are seeing organized efforts to ban, hide, or restrict access to these titles, often under the guise of “protecting children.” But in reality, it’s censorship, and it sends a harmful message to young people who might be searching for stories that reflect their own lives.
The Shelbyville church group’s move is just another chapter in that trend—but perhaps even more extreme. At least with a formal book challenge, there’s a process. In this case, the group bypassed all of that and went straight to vigilante tactics, proudly admitting they want these books gone forever.
The Internet Is Not Happy
For now, it seems Shelby County residents and the broader Kentucky community are left in the middle of a fight they didn’t ask for. Many are outraged, others are cheering, but almost everyone agrees this story isn’t going away anytime soon. Libraries stand as one of the last truly public spaces where all ideas, perspectives, and voices can be found.
“This goes against the Bible, right?” one person said of the book theft. “They should face legal action,” stated another.
While this Kentucky church group is doing what they believe is the right thing, they are robbing others of their freedoms in the process. This debate likely isn’t going away anytime soon, and it’s sad for those who may miss out on a chance to read something that could deeply resonate with them because of those who don’t agree with the writings.
Hunter Spears 
Kenna Raye 
