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Podcasts Take Two
First AME Church in South LA sues ex-pastor over finances
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Dec 6, 2012
Listen • 7:58
First AME Church in South LA sues ex-pastor over finances
This week, controversy erupted from the pulpits of one of the oldest churches in Los Angeles. First African Methodist Episcopal Church, the South L.A. megachurch founded in 1872, is embroiled in a bitter lawsuit between church leaders and the former pastor, the Reverend John J.
Image of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, the South L.A.
Image of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, the South L.A.
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Flickr/waltarrrrr
)

This week, controversy erupted from the pulpits of one of the oldest churches in Los Angeles. First African Methodist Episcopal Church, the South L.A. megachurch founded in 1872, is embroiled in a bitter lawsuit between church leaders and the former pastor, the Reverend John J.

This week, controversy erupted from the pulpits of one of the oldest churches in Los Angeles. First African Methodist Episcopal Church, the South L.A. megachurch founded in 1872, is embroiled in a bitter lawsuit between church leaders and the former pastor, the Reverend John J. Hunter.

For years, First African Methodist Episcopal Church was a mainstay in the community and politicians of all stripes made it a mandatory pit-stop, but under the leadership of Hunter, allegations of financial impropriety and sexual harrasement marred the church's reputation. 

Angel Jennings, reporter with the L.A. Times, joins the show to talk about the conflict.