DAUPHIN COUNTY, PA. Court-ordered vote allows minister to keep his job

HARRISBURG (AP) -- The Rev. Earl Harris hasn't lost his flock, thanks to a congregational vote ordered by a Dauphin County judge.
He was back at the pulpit Sunday at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, five days after the congregation voted 183-149 to keep him in the midst of a dispute over whether he is too modern and too political. Judge Scott Evans ordered the vote after the Rev. Mr. Harris sued 10 deacons, saying they improperly called a July vote to oust him.
The conflict has divided the church, a prominent black congregation with a history of fighting for civil rights and social causes. Some longtime members have left and others said they were considering leaving.
"The Lord allowed us to be divinely tested, and the test continues," Mr. Harris told about 130 people at Sunday's service. "My neighbor is my worst enemy. That's the one I'm called to love."
Critics said Mr. Harris' services have become too Pentecostal, using modern music, dance and healing, and changing the order of worship. Some said he had become too political and used sermons to lash out at his opponents.
Average Sunday attendance at St. Paul is 170-190, but there could be many reasons attendance was down this week, said Frank Hopkins, deacon board chairman. If attendance doesn't improve, the deacons will work with Mr. Harris to increase membership and participation, Hopkins said.