Briefly

The Associated Press

Presbyterian church fights for title, land

PITTSBURGH — A local church that voted to leave the Presbyterian Church (USA) has filed a lawsuit seeking to bar any threat of seizure of its property by the local presbytery as it joins a more conservative denomination.

The Memorial Park Presbyterian Church, the largest church in the Pittsburgh Presbytery, is seeking to confirm its title to 7.5 acres of land and ownership of buildings. The church filed suit in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court after its governing body voted unanimously to disaffiliate from the presbytery — a regional body of the denomination — following nearly a year of negotiations.

Memorial Park’s congregation, which was established 64 years ago and has 1,675 members, will vote on whether to disaffiliate during weekend services Jan. 19-20.

In June, members of the church voted to seek dismissal from the national church. Memorial Park then offered $360,000 to the Pittsburgh Presbytery to seal the break.

Judge dismisses suit against megachurch

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A judge dismissed a lawsuit against the senior pastor and two other leaders of a Southern Baptist megachurch, saying the court lacked jurisdiction over the case.

A lawsuit filed last year by about 75 members of Two Rivers Baptist Church accused the Rev. Jerry Sutton of failing to abide by church rules and punishing those who question his authority.

The members accused Sutton of misappropriating funds, including using church money for personal trips and paying for his daughter’s wedding reception. They demanded access to church records and asked the court to remove Sutton as officer and director of the church.

Sunday school teacher pleads not guilty

PHOENIX — A jailed Chandler Sunday school teacher plead not guilty to molestation charges against a 5-year-old girl.

Terry Greenwood, 62, taught Sunday school at Chandler United Methodist Church. He was indicted and accused of sexual conduct with a minor, molestation and indecent exposure.

The Arizona Republic Web site reports Greenwood told police he molested the girl and made her perform a sex act, according to reports.

Greenwood blamed his actions on medication he was taking for high blood pressure, that he has erectile dysfunction and mental problems, the police report shows.