KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasPastor Ordered to Leave Church Property

Pastor Ordered to Leave Church Property

(Aug. 2) -- A valley pastor has been ordered to leave church property. His congregation voted on his removal over accusations he's been stealing money from the church, and claims of sexual harassment.

Pastor Gary Hunter has been preaching at the church for the last three and half years. Monday, an impromptu service took place after the congregation heard the judges ruling -- and praise and worship erupted inside the Greater Saint James Baptist Church.

Church members say the pastor took their place of worship away. Church member Irene Parker said, "I built this church. I've been at this church for forty years and since Hunter has been there, I have not been able to go to my church."

Irene Parker is one of many who left the church. "The man is not a spiritual man, and he don't care what he says in church. He calls people names," she continued, a reason why his own congregation voted to oust him from the pulpit.

During Sunday's church services, 96 church members voted him out, only 21 wanted to keep him. Pastor Hunter argued that vote was unfair and included people who were not church members. But the judge did not seem to listen.

Justice Court Judge Tony Abbattangelo said, "I am limiting this decision to the eviction. I am not saying that I have thrown you out as pastor, that is something that's done by the congregation."

Pastor Hunter says he will not leave. However, he did remove his belongings from the church. "Oh no, we'll file an immediate appeal. It's obvious evil people came in that were not members of the church," he said.

Metro police were at the church earlier, making sure Pastor Hunter was able to remove his belongings without any problem. His attorney does say they will appeal Monday's orders.

The justice court system cannot remove the pastor from the church, that decision can be made in a district court, if Pastor Hunter does decide to appeal.