Text 4409, 79 rader
Skriven 2006-06-05 06:22:56 av George Pope (1:153/715.1275)
Ärende: from Ohio
=================
From Ohio, this is one of those stories that only get a "What the
(bleep)?" reaction.

Pastor accused of witchcraft

By AMANDA SMITH-TEUTSCH Tribune Chronicle

BLAIR
AUSTINTOWN

It may not be focused on the horrors that befall college students in
some creepy woods, but Mahoning County now has its own "Blair Witch
Project," complete with elements of witchcraft and intrigue.

The Rev. Mark Musser of Austintown is suing Emmanuel Lutheran Church
from which he was fired on claims that he was involved in witchcraft.

"For an ordained minister, these are very serious accusations," said
attorney Matt Blair, who is representing the pastor in the witchcraft
lawsuit project.

"Webster's Dictionary defines witchcraft as practicing the dark arts,
and the dark arts are defined as being in league with the devil," Blair
said.

According to a lawsuit filed by Musser in Mahoning County Court, Elder
Dominic Monroe of Boardman came into a Bible study group and announced
that Musser was being fired for practicing witchcraft.

"Apparently, Monroe accused (Musser) of manipulating the congregation,
of casting a spell on them," Blair said.

A woman who answered the phone at the church Wednesday referred all
questions to the church's attorney, Martin Yavorcik. A message left for
the attorney Wednesday evening was not immediately returned.

A woman who answered the phone at Monroe's residence said "I'm sorry, I
have no comment’’ and hung up.

The lawsuit alleges slander and defamation of character. It names
Monroe, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where Musser was pastor for the last
year, and unnamed church elders as defendants.

Monroe changed the locks on the doors of the church and announced to the
congregation at services that Musser had been fired for practicing
witchcraft, Blair said.

According to the church's bylaws and constitution, a pastor can only be
fired by a two-thirds vote of the congregation, not just because of the
accusations of one church elder, Blair said.

"We're hoping the church trustees and deacons will have the sense to
distance themselves from this and reinstate him immediately," Blair
said.

From the church, in lieu of compensatory damages, the lawsuit seeks
immediate reinstatement and back pay.

Monroe does not and never has practiced witchcraft, Blair said.

"It sounds like something out of the Salem witch trials," the attorney
said.

Copyright © 2006 The Tribune Chronicle


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