Judge Refuses To Enjoin Installation of New Pastor of Prestigious NY Church

The New York Times reported yesterday that a New York state trial judge effectively denied a motion for a temporary injunction sought by dissidents to prevent the installation of Rev. Dr. Brad R. Braxton as Senior Pastor of the historic Riverside Church on Manhattan's upper West side. Judge Lewis Bart Stone adjourned the case until late May, well after the installation of Rev. Braxton scheduled for Sunday. A group of congregants are concerned about the size of Braxton's compensation package and his more conservative style of religious practice. In the past, Riverside Church has been a center of social activism. The judge urged the parties to reach a settlement of their disputes.