Ousted worshippers stand their ground on Mother's Day

[G_j]

(local coverage continues)

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050509/NEWS01/50508008/1001

Ousted worshippers stand their ground on Mother's Day

By Andre A. Rodriguez
STAFF WRITER
published: May 9, 2005 6:00 am

WAYNESVILLE — On Sunday, when many churchgoers were celebrating the blessing of mothers, some members of a Haywood County Church were sitting in pews for a different reason — to stand their ground.

Nine members of East Waynesville Baptist Church, including some who had been members there for more than 30 years, claim they were recently voted out of the church because they didn’t agree with Pastor Chan Chandler’s politicizing of the pulpit. The ousted members, including one who is a registered Republican, said they wanted to be there because it was their church home.

The nine members, along with their attorney, David Wijewickrama, and 40 others who said they would leave the church in protest, assembled outside the church before the service, comforted each other and prayed before entering the sanctuary together. The group settled into their seats, and the choir could be heard warming up before coming out.

As the service began the choir sang “Just a Little Talk with Jesus,” then Chandler got up to welcome the congregation.

“I’m glad you’re here today. I can honestly say that,” he said. “We’re here to worship. I hope that’s what you’re here for.”

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yesterday's A C-T updated story:
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050508/NEWS01/50508005/1001

East Waynesville Baptist Church pastor says nobody ousted for political beliefs

By Andre A. Rodriguez
STAFF WRITER
published: May 8, 2005 2:59 pm

WAYNESVILLE – Nine members of East Waynesville Baptist Church who have said they were kicked out of the Haywood County church for holding political views opposed to the church’s pastor arrived to attend the Mother’s Day service today.

Meanwhile, the church's pastor issued a written statement claiming that nobody had been terminated as a church member because of their political beliefs.

The four men and five women assembled in the parking lot with their supporters and lawyer to comfort each other and pray before entering the church. The church members said they were ousted Monday after leaving a business meeting because they could not support Pastor Chan Chandler’s assertion that the church would be a Republican church. One of the members voted out was a Republican.

Chandler had been exhorting his congregation since October to support his political views or leave the church, said Selma Morris, a 30-year member of the church.

Today’s service "was the first sermon I’ve heard since October that politics wasn’t mentioned," said Edith Nichols, a 29-year member of East Waynesville who said she was voted out.

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Edit: A Google news search now brings up 538 articles "East with Waynesville Baptist" !

[Lerkfish]

1. oh really? then WHY were they ousted Rev. Chandler?

that's some serious backpedalling going on there.

I'd say someone explained to the yahoo about losing his tax exempt status.

[Peachhead22]

4. Back taxes?

Lerkfish said:

"I'd say someone explained to the yahoo about losing his tax exempt status."

If his tax-exempt status were revoked, I wonder if <ahem> significant back taxes would then be due?

That'd put the fear of God into anyone.

[dweller]

2. there are tapes of the services

according to Selma. Subpeona the tapes.

dp

[G_j]

5. I got the impression

all his sermons were taped. Considering it was said that he included politics in all his sermons (except yesterday), they should make for some 'interesting' listening.

[Atlas Mugged]

3. Time to get rid of the pastor

He's a lying, witless lightning rod.