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Vicar at St Thomas Church Receives Bible Requests After Free Offer on TikTok
Reverend James Sims at St Thomas Church in Aldridge, Walsall, offered free Bibles via a TikTok video that gained widespread attention. The church has sent out 3,142 Bibles and raised over £10,500 through crowdfunding to cover costs. Sims uses social media to engage young adults and host online services.
Apr 11, 10:37 AM·1m read1 source
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A vicar at a church posted a video on TikTok offering free Bibles to anyone who requested one. The video received tens of thousands of views overnight and led to numerous requests. The vicar reported to GB News that the response surprised him and showed no signs of slowing.
The church organizes a weekly packing session every Monday morning to handle the requests. Each Bible is blessed and includes a handwritten note before shipping. So far, the congregation has sent Bibles to recipients across Britain.
Each Bible costs between £3 and £4 to obtain and send, according to the vicar. To manage the volume of requests, the church started a crowdfunding campaign that has raised funds. The vicar stated that the initiative aims to ensure recipients feel valued.
The vicar began using social media during the COVID-19 lockdown to discuss philosophical topics and engage with online audiences. The TikTok account now has followers. Since 2022, the vicar has focused on reaching young adults aged 15 to 30, addressing a perceived gap in church attendance for that group.
The vicar hosts a livestreamed service every Sunday night, viewed by hundreds. This online presence has drawn some newcomers to in-person services at the church, including individuals identifying as agnostic, atheist, or spiritual.
Last Sunday, new attendees joined the service, the vicar told GB News. The vicar reported being encouraged by the increased interest in the church and the positive feedback from Bible recipients. One recipient noted that the Bible arrived on the day of their mother's funeral and provided comfort.
The vicar's family helps maintain perspective amid the attention, the vicar added. The initiative continues with ongoing requests and packing efforts. No specific plans for expansion beyond the current crowdfunding and weekly sessions were mentioned.
