Mercy Baptist Church faces backlash over Netflix documentary

A South Carolina church, Mercy Baptist Church in Conway, has faced protests and hostile communications following the release of the Netflix documentary series “Death of the Pastor’s Wife.” The congregation was mistakenly linked to Mercy Church in Myrtle Beach, led by JP Miller.

JP Miller was indicted on federal charges last year regarding alleged harassing communications toward his estranged wife, Mica Miller, whose death in April 2024 was ruled a suicide by officials. The documentary explores allegations of abuse and manipulation by Miller.

Pastor Lloyd Phipps issued a statement clarifying that Mercy Baptist Church is an independent congregation with no affiliation to Miller or his former ministry. The backlash has also impacted local businesses that support the church, which houses a daycare and children’s ministry.