Churchgoers, strippers protest one another in Coshocton County

COLUMBUS DISPATCH ^ | August 9, 2010 | Holly Zachariah

[a fool in paradise]

[jessduntno]

Ohio ... whew ... what has happened to you?

[a fool in paradise]

Not a ping

The battle that has heretofore played out in the parking lot of George's strip club - the Foxhole, a run-down, garage-like building at a Coshocton County crossroads called Newcastle - has shifted 7 miles east to Church Street.

Every weekend for the last four years, Dunfee and members of his ministry have stood watch over George's joint, taking up residence in the right of way with signs, video cameras and bullhorns in hand. They videotape customers' license plates and post them online, and they try to save the souls of anyone who comes and goes.

Now, the dancers have turned the tables, so to speak. Fed up with the tactics of Dunfee and his flock, they say they have finally accepted his constant invitation to come to church.

It's just that they've come wearing see-through shorts and toting Super Soakers.

They bring lawn chairs and - yesterday, anyway - grilled hamburgers, Monster energy drinks and corn on the cob.

They sat in front of the church and waved at passing cars but largely ignored the congregation behind them.

Likewise, the churchgoers largely ignored the dancers. Except for Stan Braxton. He stopped and held hands with Lola, a 42-year-old dancer who made $200 on her Saturday night shift, and prayed for her salvation.

Lola, who wouldn't give her last name, said she was grateful for Braxton's prayers and his time.

(photo in above post)

[The_Media_never_lie]

Prayers for all involved.

[Scott from the Left Coast]

Looks like Ohio has undergone Californification.

[massgopguy]

I remember Sika telling off the Church Lady on Saturday Night Live. It didn’t end well for her.

[maine yankee]

it’s hard to pick a side in this one.

[Larry Lucido]

ROFL!!!!! (Need a case of Orville Reddenbacher here!)

[jessduntno]

Mission creep?

[detritus]

What's the story on that sign? If the assertion that he's an admitted adulterer is false, he ought to sue for libel. If it's true... well, he's hardly in a position to cast the first stone, now is he?

[Slings and Arrows]

[paulycy]

"Can't we all just get along?
I know I'd like to get along with her over there..."

[a fool in paradise]

"Do you believe in the hereafter?"

"Yes."

"Good. Then you know what I'm here after!"

[fr_freak]

What's the story on that sign? If the assertion that he's an admitted adulterer is false, he ought to sue for libel. If it's true... well, he's hardly in a position to cast the first stone, now is he?

I don't agree with your assessment. Even if it were true - let's say 5 or 10 years ago the pastor cheated on his wife - would that mean that for the rest of his life, he can't speak against any immoral act, ever? If the only people on this earth who can object to immoral or corrupting behavior are those who have the purity of Jesus Christ, then pretty much NOBODY would ever be allowed to speak against such things, and that is EXACTLY how the devil wants it.

Think of it this way: are former alcoholics, or even current alcoholics, justified in speaking out against alcoholism? If we accept that alcoholism is bad, then doesn't any testimony against alcohol abuse serve the greater good, or shall we dismiss the words of anyone who has ever had a drink? Former alcoholics are quite often the most passionate and influential crusaders against alcohol abuse, and for a good reason.

Likewise, if the pastor has sinned previously, why would he not be suitable to speak against sin now? And keep in mind, he and his congregation are not out condemning these women and their pimps to hell. They are merely trying to get the place shut down, as they believe it will lead more people to a sinful life of misery. If you read the article, it says that the congregation even offered to pay the strippers' bills if they would leave the business, but the women have so far declined. If the pastor cheated on his wife previously, should we discard this generous and loving offer?

[detritus]

the congregation even offered to pay the strippers' bills if they would leave the business, but the women have so far declined

Refusing an opportunity to quit working and subsist on the wages of others shows a lot more character than the average American these days....

[paulycy]

[TheOldLady]

Jiggly protesters getting back at the non-jiggly protesters. When will it end?

[Slings and Arrows]

It’s a cycle of violence.

[TheOldLady]

Hmmm... Cycle. That reminds me of Elvira’s movie where she got her pasties twirling in opposite directions. Now that’s talent.