Part 148 (1/2)

tial.” Lou looked back at Jim with impatience. ”Have you

said all you plan to say?”

”I just want to make it clear, I only oppose this because

I'm trying to consider what will be best for our church in the

long run. We want to reach out to others in town and we

want to grow in numbers. And if we want to grow, we need

to consider the needs of our community. Just look around

this room. Do you see any other black people in here or in

our town in general? It just doesn't make sense to bring in a

man, not only of a different race, but also from a drastically Looking for You All My Life231

different culture, to lead this congregation. That's all I have

to say.”

Sam stepped back to the pulpit. ”Any comments from the

congregation?”

”I have a comment.” Scott stood up. ”I asked Michael to

officiate our wedding mostly because I like him and because

I think he's got a good head on his shoulders. But before he

would agree to perform the ceremony, he wanted to meet

with Chloe and me a few times. I wasn't sure what for, but

after our first meeting with him a week or so ago, I was really

impressed. He gave us some very wise premarital counseling,

and he's requiring us to read a whole list of Bible verses

together.” Scott looked down at Chloe. ”Doing this a.s.sign-

ment has brought us closer together. It's been really special.”

Chloe nodded in agreement and then Scott sat down.

”I can't believe we're even considering this,” said a man