The Ashville Citizen-Times has the story of Chandler's resignation.
My blog-journalist exclusive interviews with Lewis Inman and David Richardson had indicated that not only had Chandler crossed the line between faith and politics; he would be battled in court.
The IRS had been asked to reconsider tax-exempt status for the church, as reported by AP.
CNN reports that some at the church continued to support him until the end. One member, Rhonda Trantham, said:
"I don't believe he preached politics. I don't believe anyone should tell a preacher not to preach what's in the Bible."
Blount Osborne, chair of deacons, is alleged to have said:
"That was surprising, him leaving as quick as he did. I didn't figure he'd walk that way."
But then CNN continues to make the mistake that there were only 100 members. In fact, there are 400+ members, but on Sundays only about 100 attend.
[Ed]: I will post four more interviews over the next two days. For now there is a news story that I've written as a blog-journalist, with pieces from all the interviews, at the Chattanooga Pulse.
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