Frank Langfitt

Myers Park Baptist is a cavernous red brick church with a big white steeple and it wears its progressive politics really right on the front of the church. You've got a giant sign here that says 80 years of inclusivity, community, spirituality, and justice. And on the other side, open to all now and forevermore.

Myers Park Baptist is a cavernous red brick church with a big white steeple and it wears its progressive politics really right on the front of the church. You've got a giant sign here that says 80 years of inclusivity, community, spirituality, and justice. And on the other side, open to all now and forevermore.

Myers Park Baptist is a cavernous red brick church with a big white steeple and it wears its progressive politics really right on the front of the church. You've got a giant sign here that says 80 years of inclusivity, community, spirituality, and justice. And on the other side, open to all now and forevermore.

In the meeting, Deacon Alan Davis warned that getting rid of Boswell would undermine that very message.

In the meeting, Deacon Alan Davis warned that getting rid of Boswell would undermine that very message.

In the meeting, Deacon Alan Davis warned that getting rid of Boswell would undermine that very message.

Davis was among three deacons who resigned in protest. In an interview, McClanahan called Boswell a fantastic and visionary preacher, and she insisted the church would continue to advance racial and social justice. But some of Boswell's supporters say the conflict at Myers Park is part of a much larger one.

Davis was among three deacons who resigned in protest. In an interview, McClanahan called Boswell a fantastic and visionary preacher, and she insisted the church would continue to advance racial and social justice. But some of Boswell's supporters say the conflict at Myers Park is part of a much larger one.

Davis was among three deacons who resigned in protest. In an interview, McClanahan called Boswell a fantastic and visionary preacher, and she insisted the church would continue to advance racial and social justice. But some of Boswell's supporters say the conflict at Myers Park is part of a much larger one.

Nicholas Ryan has attended Myers Park since preschool. He's now 30.

Nicholas Ryan has attended Myers Park since preschool. He's now 30.

Nicholas Ryan has attended Myers Park since preschool. He's now 30.

After services in December, the church leadership met with the congregation behind closed doors to discuss Boswell's departure.

After services in December, the church leadership met with the congregation behind closed doors to discuss Boswell's departure.

After services in December, the church leadership met with the congregation behind closed doors to discuss Boswell's departure.

Griffin wore a San Francisco 49ers jacket. He said Boswell created a wonderful open community here. Now he's bitter.

Griffin wore a San Francisco 49ers jacket. He said Boswell created a wonderful open community here. Now he's bitter.

Griffin wore a San Francisco 49ers jacket. He said Boswell created a wonderful open community here. Now he's bitter.

I mentioned that some white congregants felt beaten down by Boswell's continued emphasis on social and racial justice.

I mentioned that some white congregants felt beaten down by Boswell's continued emphasis on social and racial justice.