Reverend challenges validity of church's vote to remove him as pastor

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Reverend challenges validity of church's vote to remove him as pastor

By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: May 7, 2008 at 3:57 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 7, 2008 at 7:21 PM EDT

UTICA - In an 83-41 vote, members of Saint Paul's Baptist Church in February voted in favor of Reverend Tenolian Bell stepping down from his post.

Bell is challenging the validity of that vote, questioning whether or not the congregation was given proper, legal notice of the purpose of the meeting where the vote was held.

"After both sides argued their positions in front of Judge Shaheen, he invited representatives of both parties to a conference in his chambers and we discussed various options," said Joseph DeTraglia, who is representing some church members.

After court, church members declined comment. Some of them met with the judge and both attorneys in the judge's chambers in hopes of settling this without the judge's help

"We've promised to get back to him by the first of next week," said Richard Frye, representing Reverend Bell. "If we resolve it, he won't have to make his decision; if we don't resolve it he will have to make his decision."

The judge told Reverend Bell, his supporters and detractors that if it does come down to a ruling from the bench, his decision would be very narrow.

"Was the notice that was given to the congregation a valid notice in accordance with the terms of the law; that's the only decision I will make," Judge Shaheen said.

If Judge Shaheen does rule and finds that valid notice was not given, there would have to be another vote regarding the fate of Reverend Tenolian Bell.

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