Who Would Jesus Handcuff?

MILWAUKEE (CN) - The congregation has sued the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Steven McVicker, claiming McVicker illegally increased his own salary, seized control of the church and its books, and hired a bodyguard who stalks the church during services, armed with a gun and handcuffs, questioning, harassing and intimidating church members.

Plaintiffs say McVicker has been a problem since they hired him in February 2004. They voted 52-1 in September to fire him, but McVicker refuses to relinquish the church or to open its books, church members say.

They want the church dissolved or put into receivership. They want McVicker out and they want him to return the church records and the money they believe he has taken illegally, including, inter alia, to pay for his personal attorney. They also claim he has threatened to personally harm parishioners who disagree with him, including a deacon.

See complaintin Milwaukee County Court.

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