The Asheville, N.C. Citizen-Times' latest update to this story, from the pastor's post-services comments, says:
East Waynesville Baptist Church pastor says nobody ousted for political beliefs
. . . ."In a written statement released by [Pastor Chan] Chandler's lawyer, John J. Pavey Jr., the pastor stated, 'This church fellowships openly with all who embrace the authority and application of the Bible regardless of political affiliation, including current members who align themselves with both major political parties, as well as those who affiliate with no political party.'
"The statement goes on to claim that no one has been voted from the membership of the church because of political beliefs.
"'No one has been voted out of this church for politics or any other reason at this point,' Pavey said, in contradiction to the nine members' belief they have been removed from the church rolls.
"'Our memberships were terminated because we did not agree to have a political church," said Thelma Lowe, the lone Republican voted out. "I did not vote for Kerry. . . ."
See the rest of the story at
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050508/NEWS01/50508005/1001
And the similar AP update on CNN is at http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/05/08/church.politics.ap/ says much the same.
Both stories also say that Chandler invited all church members to attend a business meeting on Tuesday. "This should all be cleared up by the end of the week," he said after the service.
The more he speaks, the murkier it gets. Does he speak to God with that mouth?