“The council needs a formal motion,” Elder Miller said.

Elder Davis stepped forward.

“I move that we restore Pastor Tom to all his pastoral duties at once and declare every board action taken yesterday entirely void.”

“I second that motion,” Elder Harris said from the second row.

The six elders lifted their right hands together without glancing back at Arthur.

“The motion carries unanimously,” Elder Miller said.

“Arthur, the council requires your written resignation from every church board, effective immediately, before five o’clock today.”

Arthur took two slow steps back toward the communion rail.