“This session is limited to active voting members of the church council.”

“I’m an active voting member,” I said, halting at the wooden communion rail four feet from the altar steps.

“And I’m the one with sole legal authority over Kade’s land trust.”

Arthur rubbed his heavy gold signet ring on the lapel of his suit coat.

“You were formally suspended from all pastoral authority by a unanimous board vote yesterday afternoon.”

“That vote was legally void,” I said.