Josephine King: 92-Year-Old Georgia Woman Kicked Out Of Church For Not Tithing, Nephew Says
Josephine King has been a member of the First African Baptist Church in Bainbridge, Georgia for more than 50 years, but now the 92-year-old woman has been kicked out of her church because she wasn’t paying tithes. According to WALB News, King received a letter stating that she would no longer be allowed to worship at her church due to “non-support.”
“Josephine King is no longer considered a member of the First African Baptist Church of Bainbridge, Georgia,” her nephew, Gerald Simmons, read aloud from the letter. It has been reported that the reason for the controversial decision was due to King’s inability to maintain “constant and consistent financial and physical participation.”
However, Simmons argues that his aunt’s lack of participation can be attributed to her inability to attend services. According to Opposing Views, she’s been listed as a “Sick and Shut In” member for months, which should explain her inability to attend services regularly and participate as she has in the past. Needless to say, she’s saddened and disappointed over the church’s decision.”She was stunned,” Simmons said of his aunt’s reaction to the letter. “She was disappointed. She was shocked.”
Simmons argues that his aunt has supported the church for many years, but the progressive changes in the way churches are conducting business may now be a bit too combative. He also revealed his aunt isn’t the first to receive a letter of removal from the church. The church’s controversial policy has led to the removal of other members as well. However, he’s come forward because he feels the directive needs to be addressed because the policy
“You shouldn’t chase the individuals down,” Simmons said. “You shouldn’t do that. If that’s the case you’re money hungry. You got to have money to make these churches run,” he conceded. “But it’s not about money. It’s about God. You have to put God first.”
WALB News has made an effort to contact the First African Baptist Church, but the church has yet to release a statement.
[Image via WALB]
