Tennessee Magistrate Objects To Child Being Named "Messiah"

AP and WBIR report on the decision of a Newport, Tennessee Child Support Magistrate who last week ordered that a 7-month old child's name be changed to Martin instead of Messiah, even though Messiah was among the fastest rising baby names last year. The parents were in court because they could not agree on a last name for their child, but Magistrate Lu Ann Ballew ordered the child's first name changed also. She ruled that it is in the best interest of the child, particularly if he grows up in largely Christian Cocke County (TN).  In issuing the order that the boy be named Martin DeShawn McCullough (incorporating the last names of both parents), Magistrate Ballew said: "The word Messiah is a title and it's a title that has only been earned by one person and that one person is Jesus Christ." The child's mother is appealing the magistrate's decision to the Tennessee Chancery Court. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17.