More than 50 churches in McMinn County are trying to figure out who is sending strange, anonymous letters that bash their Christian religion.

Over the past couple of weeks, nearly six dozen churches (across denominations) in McMinn County, Monroe County, and Murray County, Ga. have received a letter from “The Waster.”

While the person hasn’t made any specific threats, it has many congregations on high alert.

Several churches have spotted the man on surveillance camera. But the cryptic way in which he signs his name is making many church-goers uneasy.

“The guy is saying his name is The Waster,” said Det. Blake Witt, McMinn Co. Sheriff’s Office. “There’s a biblical scripture and verse that talks about The Waster, and he states that in the letter.”

“The Waster” signs his name with the Bible verse, Isaiah 54:16, which reads, in part, “I have created the waster to destroy.”

Police have not yet tracked down who is behind the cryptic messages. Because he hasn’t made any specific threats, detectives can’t charge him with a crime right now.

However, they are taking precautionary measures, just in case. Fingerprints have been lifted from several letters. The Sheriff’s Office will also work with local churches to come up with safety plans.

“If that be door greeters, kind of keeping an eye on who comes into the church, you know, it’s sad that it’s come to that, but it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Witt said.

Due to the broad reach of the letters, investigators believe more than one person could be delivering them. Anyone with information should contact their local police department or Sheriff’s office.

Read more: http://www.wsmv.com/story/30542622/the-waster-warns-dozens-of-churches-with-strange-letter#ixzz3roKxtbo5