Did you vote for John Kerry in the November elections?
If so, you'd better hope East Waynesville Baptist Church in western North Carolina isn’t your home congregation. The pastor there just kicked out everyone who voted for the democratic candidate. WLOS TV reports:
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 bi-laws were followed when the members were thrown out.
Democratic Underground has more (including the video from the news report).
You have to wonder when the “Christian choice” for president became someone who launches unjustified wars, cuts health care benefits for the elderly to pay for tax cuts for the rich, and pushes policies that harm the environment – God’s own creation. That isn’t the God I know. God is not a Republican – or a Democrat.
The IRS should yank this church's 501 (c) 3 non-profit status as quick as possible. Pastors have no business acting as the enforcer for a political party.
Some churches really do have bouncers.
If you're in that area and looking for churches without bouncers you might consider visiting:
Asheville First Congregational United Church of Christ or
Hendersonville First Congregational United Church of Christ
I've spent a good bit of time in this part of the South and it really is a beatiful community with some very good folks - including a number of my family.
(Thanks to Glen B. for alerting me to this issue.)
Related News Story: Church members say they were kicked out for being Democrats
Related News Story: Minister Ex-communicates members for not backing Bush
