I agree that going public with the controversy indicates a certain level of underhandedness. I also got the impression that the preacher's letter was written with the assistance of a lawyer. Think about that for a moment . . . it's likely no one is telling the complete truth. The preacher, the teacher, or the press.
"He was holding truth, per his convictions to scripture. "
I think that is what scares people. He doesn't wait for the liberals to tell him what to think.