Miracle Valley shootout

The Miracle Valley Shootout was a confrontation between members of the Christ Miracle Healing Center and Church (CMHCC) and Cochise County law enforcement that occurred in Miracle Valley, Arizona, United States on October 23, 1982. A variety of incidents with law enforcement in 1982 culminated when local sheriff deputies, with backup by state law enforcement, attempted to serve bench warrants for the arrest of 3 members of the church. A large group of church members confronted the officials and in the ensuing melee two church members were killed and seven law enforcement officers were injured. One church member and one law enforcement officer died later, both possibly due to injuries sustained that day.

In 1978-1979 members of the Healing Center and Church moved from Mississippi to Chicago, Illinois. In 1980 the leader of the church, Pastor Frances Thomas, relocated the church and additional members from Chicago to Miracle Valley. Thomas was one of a reported 10,000 disciples of Allen's at MVBC. She attempted to purchase the 2,560 acre property and its numerous buildings that were home to broadcasting evangelist A. A. Allen's Miracle Valley Bible Church (MVBC). Thomas's plans were to re-establish the original bible church under her leadership. The owners at the time were prohibited from selling this property, which is situated on the south side of Arizona State Route 92 that bisects Miracle Valley. Thomas instead purchased several properties for the church's use in the subdivision along the north side of the highway across from the MVBC, including a restaurant that was converted to a church sanctuary.

Thomas's church in Arizona was established as the Christ Miracle Healing Center and Church (CMHCC). It was an evangelical Christian church with an entirely African American congregation, clergy, and staff. Although independent of other denominations or groups, it was Pentecostal in teachings and outlook. Her son, William Thomas Jr., was a bishop and the church’s theoretical leader. Thomas stated she was a believer in faith healing and not in doctors.

The church was reported by sheriff's deputies to operate services almost continuously around the clock. Special assistants or watchers in the service were observed to ensure attendees didn't fall asleep by striking people's heads with long poles. Children who were church members and attended local schools were observed by their teachers to be suffering from what appeared to be severe sleep-deprivation. Local residents and relatives of church members claimed she exerted a "cult-like dominance over her followers" and described church members as having "pledged their lives in cult-like devotion to Mother Thomas". The church denied this.

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