From ABC News affiliate
WLOS (serving Western NC and parts of SC), and my friend Sue Summer:
7:30 am, 5/6/05 - Religion and Politics Clash
Religion and politics clash over a local church's declaration that Democrats are not welcome.
East Waynesville Baptist asked nine members to leave. Now 40 more have left the church in protest. Former members say Pastor Chan Chandler gave them the ultimatum, saying if they didn't support George Bush, they should resign or repent. The minister declined an interview with News 13. But he did say "the actions were not politically motivated." There are questions about whether the by-laws were followed when the members were thrown out.
Coincidentally, well before I read this, I pointed out to my husband this morning that we're just at the beginning of Bush's second term: we're only five months into it.
There are many things I could say here, but just for starters, how the heck can the pastor say that his actions weren't politically motivated if he's trying to dismiss members based on their lack of support for a politician?