This is posted as is, I don't have time to clean it up, sorry. You just get the straight-up good stuff-today's chuckle.
Couldn't have happened to a bigger creep. And if you think that's harsh, let me just remind you that I know these people only too well...
Embattled No. Carolina Pastor Steps Down
By Lee Webb
CBN News Anchor
CBN.com (http://www.cbn.com/) â" (CBN News) - A surprising turn of events in the story of a
North Carolina pastor who came under fire for asking church
members to repent or resign if they voted for Sen. John Kerry.
Rev. Chan Chandler has resigned as pastor of East Waynesville Baptist Church.
Chandler stepped down after making a short statement saying that remaining
as pastor would only cause more hurt for him and his family.
The controversy started last October. With the presidential race winding
down, Chandler told the congregation that anyone who planned to vote for
Democratic Sen. Kerry should either leave the church or repent.
But even after the election, church members say he continued to preach about
politics. And last week, nine members who voted for Kerry say they were
voted out of the church.
While Rev. Chandler tried to welcome them on Sunday's service, the damage was
clearly done, culminating with his resignation last night.
One of the churchâTMs attendees, Lewis Inman, remarked, âoeVery, very sad. And I
mean, this has been our church home, our church family (voice breaks). It's
the only church I've ever been in. âoe
While churches and religion have become a forum for a discussion about
issues, on both sides of the spectrum, the IRS still forbids them from endorsing a
particular candidate.
But the fallout from East Waynesville Baptist Church was not a legal one.
Forty of Chandler's supporters walked out after he did, with many saying they
were resigning as well, and people from both sides say the controversy and the
split has been a tragedy.
One church member said, âoeIt's really sad. I just pray to God that things will
get worked out.â
Chandler's attorney says the pastor has not apologized for anything he said,
and that he will keep speaking out against abortion.
He says that the dispute inside the church had nothing to do with politics,
and Chandler's supporters agree with that.