Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Pastor accused of shoving parishioner, 76, at troubled St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Kalamazoo


From Kalamazoo-

A simmering, months-long conflict between congregants at Kalamazoo’s St. Luke's Episcopal Church and church officials reached a boiling point Sunday, with a police report filed against the pastor for allegedly shoving an elderly parishioner.

The Rev. Jay R. Lawlor was accused of pushing Marcia Morrison, 76, whose family owns Morrison Jewelers, during a heated discussion about recent events at the church. A witness said Morrison was not injured in the incident, which occurred immediately after Sunday morning’s service.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety confirmed that a police report was filed. Neither Lawlor nor Morrison could be reached for comment Sunday.

Sunday’s altercation at the church came four days after Episcopal Bishop Robert Gepert announced he was taking over the parish and disbanding its lay board, and after Lawlor terminated the employment of the parish secretary, music director and facilities manager.

About 100 members of the church met Sunday night at Kalamazoo College’s Stetson Chapel for a potluck and prayer service to talk about the turn of events and what happens now for the 174-year-old congregation.

More here-

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/03/pastor_accused_of_shoving_pari.html

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