Here is a news flash that might make you feel better about the minor disputes that occur in your church:

Dozens of police were called Sunday to an African American church in Fletcher, N.C., to break up a dispute that turned into a fistfight.

According to published reports, about 30 law enforcement officers from five agencies descended on Greater New Zion Baptist Church, about 94 miles west of Charlotte, after some members tried to oust the Rev. LeVonia Ray as pastor. The fighting apparently started when others insisted on reinstating him.

None of the roughly 70-plus people in attendance was arrested.

One church deacon was quoted as saying: "What happened Sunday kept me awake all night. I have never seen anything like this before at our church."

As for the preacher, Ray hinted that he might be willing to retire... in exchange for six months vacation pay.

"I have nothing but good things to say about New Zion,” he was quoted as saying. “What happened Sunday was not a Christian scene."

We’ll give you an “Amen” to that.

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