“I move that the board suspend Pastor Tom from all clerical duties at once, cut off his housing allowance, and order him off church property by midnight.”

“Does that cover access to the rectory study?” Elder Vance asked.

“It covers the immediate surrender of every building key,” Arthur said.

Arthur looked around the table, holding each elder’s eyes one after another.

“All in favor of immediate administrative termination,” Arthur said.

Elder Vance bowed his head and lifted his right hand.

The other five elders raised their hands next to his without once meeting my eyes.

“The motion passes unanimously,” Arthur said, pushing a typed suspension order across the table.