Vetting the rules

Church leaders say the parishioners’ meeting violates established procedure for removing a pastor. The church’s rules say the process of firing the head pastor starts with a majority of trustees, with church members approving the decision after the fact. The Advocacy Group members say the members, too, have the authority to initiate the pastor’s removal.

The meeting was scheduled for the end of a Sunday service at the church, but the organizers say their memberships were suspended and no longer are allowed on the property.

The church has tried to enlist the aid of a formal mediation by Peacemaker Ministries, which attempts to resolve conflicts without involving secular authorities. But both sides have acknowledged the possibility of legal action in front of a secular authority may be asked to resolve the dispute.