The oldest most prominent black church in L.A., First A.M.E. Church, is in a battle between the members and the pastor they fired. Friday night, the pastor’s wife, Denise Hunter came on NBCLA4 to deny charges of misuse of church funds.
Last year, Rev. John L. Hunter was fired from his duties as pastor of First A.M.E. church and reassigned to another A.M.E. church - abruptly. Rev. Hunter said that he did not even get a chance to say good-bye to his congregation.
The church is suing the Hunters, trustees and employees, saying they staged a 'coup' to conspire to take charge of the non-profit for financial gain.
Denise Hunter appeared live on NBC4 to deny charges against she and her husband; she said they have done nothing wrong.
"This was all orchestrated, as it has been, with the intent of damaging my reputation. Hunter believes this is a 'witch hunt'. "- Denise Hunter
Now the church wants to get rid of Denise Hunter who is the president of F.A.M.E., a non-profit organization separate from the church. F.A.M.E. helps in community development.
The Hunters resided in a $2,000,000 house in Encino, which now is locked off to the public. The Hunters were removed from the house.
Pastor Hunter is being accused of spending lots of money on personal jewelry using the corporate credit account.
Denise Hunter has no plans of leaving her position as head of F.A.M.E., because she believes she is the right person for the job now; her salary is $147,000.
Currently, pastor Hunter is on medical leave. He was rejected by the church he was assigned to - they walked out on him.
What do you think will become of this church battle?
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