Banish from his church for voting for John Kerry

A Baptist pastor accused of threatening to banish from his church anyone who didn`t vote for President Bush has himself chosen to depart, leaving in his wake a divided community and a &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/world/2003/01/29/ ' target=_blank>cultural chasm. The Rev. Chan Chandler, 33, walked out of the church he had led for three years Tuesday night after delivering a brief statement of resignation.

With him went many of the young congregants he had attracted to the modest brick church on the outskirts of this small mountain town in western North Carolina.

In leaving, Chandler did not apologize for the controversy that made him a national lightning rod the claims by some church members that they were told to leave if they voted for Democratic nominee &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/mailbox/22/98/387/12302_Kerry.html ' target=_blank>John Kerry, informs ABC News.

In leaving, Chandler did not apologize for the controversy that made him a national lightning rod the claims by some church members that they were told to leave if they voted for Democratic nominee John Kerry. "For me to remain now would only cause more hurt for me and my family," Chandler said. "I am resigning with gratitude in my heart for all of you, particularly those of you who love me and my family."