Judge in Terri Schiavo Case Quits Baptist Church He Attended (photos)

Life News.com ^ | March 18, 2005 | Steven Ertelt

[M. Espinola]

Clearwater, FL (LifeNews.com) -- The judge in the Terri Schaivo case who reissued an order Friday that prompted Terri's feeding tube to be removed for a third time has withdrawn his membership in a local Baptist Church.

'Judge' Greer,

William Rice, the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida, confirmed the news to the Baptist Press news agency on Friday.

David Gibbs, lead council for Bob and Mary Schindler, the parents of brain-damaged daughter Terry Schiavo, speaks to the media March 18th, 2005 about Terri's condition outside the Woodside Hospice where Terri lives.

Rice said he received a letter from Greer Thursday confirming he has rescinded his long-standing membership after the church. The Greer letter came days after Rice made public comments in news reports disagreeing with Greer's decisions related to Terri.

Rice said the two exchanged letters about the nature of Greer's church affiliation after the judge commented publicly about his religious views.

Dr. William Hammesfah speaks at a press conference outside Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida, with Randall Terry, founder of Operation Rescue (R) and Rev. Rob Schenck, President of the National Clergy Council (L), about his recent visit to see Terri Schiavo, March 18th, 2005. Dr Hammesfah claims Terri can be rehabilitated if given the chance.

The pastor told Baptist Press he had offered to meet with Greer and received the letter as a response.

According to a St. Petersburg Times news report, Greer, earlier this month, said he told a church deacon, "If I don't like what the St. Pete Times writes about me, my only recourse is to cancel my subscription." He told the deacon he would no longer make donations to the church.

Daniel Vogel, 34, a supporter for Terri Schiavo, holds a cross outside the Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida, March 18, 2005. Vogel drove alone from Chicago to join the support for keeping Terri Schiavo alive.

Rice told Baptist Press, “I felt like [the Times' comments] opened the door for me to write him and ask what kind of relationship he desired to have with the church."

“Our church has not had an antagonistic relationship with Judge Greer,” and he has not been publicly criticized at any church function, Rice said. “He has friends at the church on a personal level."

Former Green Beret James 'Bo' Gritz hands over his citizens arrest warrant to Pinellas Park authorities. Gritz filed the citizens arrest on Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge George Greer and Michael Schiavo outside the Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida, March 18th, 2005.

Greer's attendance at church began to decline when an official Florida Baptist State Convention publication, the Florida Baptist Witness, began running articles critical of Greer's decision.

Calvary Baptist Church places its newsletters inside the Witness magazine and sends it to its 1,500 members, including Greer.

Protesters in support for Terri Schiavo gather outside Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida on March 18th, 2005.

Photos added

[M. Espinola]

Bob Schindler, right, father of Teri Schiavo, meets with Sen. Larcenia Bullard, D-Miami, regarding her vote on the provided sustenance bill, Thursday, March 17, 2005, in Tallahassee, Fla.

Bob Schindler, left, father of Terri Schiavo, walks into the Woodside Hospice, where Terri is a patient, with from left, Brother Paul O'Donnell, Attorney David Gibbs III, and Brother Hilery McGee, Friday morning March 18, 2005 in Pinellas Park, Fla.

Protestors gather outside the Woodside Hospice, where Terri Schiavo is a patient, Friday March 18th, 2005 in Pinellas Park, Fla. Terri Schiavo has been in a coma-like state for 15-years and Judge George Greer has set March 18th, 2005 as the date her husband Michael Schiavo can have her feeding tube removed. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

A red rose is stuck to a fence outside the Woodside Hospice, where Terri Schiavo is a patient, as people pray Friday March 18, 2005 in Pinellas Park, Fla.

Mary Schindler, left, mother of Terri Schiavo, walks with Brother Paul O'Donnell , of the Franciscan Brothers of Peace, after leaving the Woodside Hospice, where Terri is a patient, Friday March 18th, 2005 in Pinellas Park, Fla.

Bob Schindler, left, father of Terri Schiavo talks to attorney's David Gibbs III and Barbara Weller outside the Woodside Hospice, where Terri is a patient, Friday March 18th, 2005 in Pinellas Park, Fla.

Bob Schindler, right, father of Terri Schiavo, looks at greeting cards with his other daughter Suzanne Vitadamo, second from right, outside the Woodside Hospice, where Terri is a patient, Friday March 18th, 2005, in Pinellas Park, Fla.

State Sen. Nancy Argenziano, R-Dunnellon, reacts on the Senate floor after speaking about her vote concerning Terri Schiavo, Friday March 18, 2005, in Tallahassee, Fla.

Teri Schindler Schiavo

[tertiary01]

Ping

[Maria S]

On Michael Savage now: a caller familiar with the judicial system in Florida is saying Judge Greer is legally blind...he cannot read documents! Someone HAS to read documents to him! Whether or not this is legit I can't say, but it is an interesting turn of events. "Patricia" DOES sound legit and knows what she's talking about.

[tertiary01]

Can't belong to the church of George Soros and the Calvary Baptist Church at the same time. George won't allow his worshippers to have another god.

[nonkultur]

State Sen. Nancy Argenziano is getting her way with the way she voted.

[jocon307]

YAY The Baptists! They know BS when they see it. If this "fine man" knows he is on the outs with his church, I hope he realizes Satan has prepared a warm spot for him. On his LEFT hand, I have no doubt.

[Politicalmom]

Poor Mr. Schindler has aged so much....

I am thankful God was gracious enough to give me parents as wonderful as the Schindlers.

[maestro]

Prayer.......FYI.......ping

[ChinaGotTheGoodsOnClinton]

Burn in hell, Mr. Greer...

[Dante3]

Judge Greer lusts after absolute power. Maybe Terri reminded him of some woman who rejected his advances - his frenzy to have her die is abnormal.

[Recovering_Democrat]

State Sen. Nancy Argenziano, R-Dunnellon, reacts on the Senate floor after speaking about her vote concerning Terri Schiavo, Friday March 18, 2005, in Tallahassee, Fla.

Why is she crying? She voted to kill Terri.

[blackbart.223]

"The judge in the Terri Schaivo case who reissued an order Friday that prompted Terri's feeding tube to be removed for a third time has withdrawn his membership in a local Baptist Church."

He should withdraw his membership in the human race.

[Recovering_Democrat]

Bob Schindler, right, father of Teri Schiavo, meets with Sen. Larcenia Bullard, D-Miami, regarding her vote on the provided sustenance bill, Thursday, March 17, 2005, in Tallahassee, Fla.

Bullard: another SINator who voted "Let's Starve Terri to death".

[RPTMS]

He can't see? What kind of a life is that? Let's starve him to death!

[ThermoNuclearWarrior]

This judge sounds like all the so called "religious liberals" who say they are Christians and believe in Christian morals and values but don't believe in practicing them.

[nonkultur]

Argenziano really bothers me, along with these RINO's who voted to kill her:
Bennett, Michael S. "Mike"
Carlton, Lisa
Dockery, Paula
Jones, Dennis L., D.C.
King, James E. "Jim", Jr.
Lynn, Evelyn J.
Saunders, Burt L.

[Mad Mammoth]

Judge in Terri Schiavo Case Quits Baptist Church He Attended

Hey, no biggie. The First Church of Satan is always looking for new members, especially since their founder Anton Szandor LaVey checked out, maybe Judge Greer could apply for membership with them? I'm sure the FCOS would welcome him warmly.

[MisterRepublican]

Greer should join the UCC or some other left wing socialist "church". He certainly doesn't read the Bible much.

[farmer18th]

“Our church has not had an antagonistic relationship with Judge Greer,” and he has not been publicly criticized at any church function, Rice said.

Whatever happened to:

"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." 1 Timoth 5:20

If that pastor had taken this old reprobate of a judge to task when his heart was tender, Terry might not be in the condition she is in now.

[sevry]

Hey - great photos. Thanks for posting. (Maybe one photo thread from which I WON'T be tossed.)

It's also heartening to see the support shown for her right outside the facility. A lot of people care about Terri, and about the broader issue. They aren't ignoring it.

What I find surprizing is that Greer would so quickly sever ties with his Protestant parish, and receive no rebuke from the pastor, supposedly in the business to save souls. What I find more surprizing is that Greer similarly, and arrogantly, ignored an order from Congress, yet expects other not to ignore his orders in this. Someone with authority needs to move inside the structure, and reconnect the feeding tube. The governor would seem to have that authority. Where is Jeb?

[rwfromkansas]

Good. I e-mailed the pastor and demanded he be excommunicated, so I am glad he is gone even if it is by his own choice.

For one thing, until today, he was

1) an inactive member not showing signs of regeneration
2) now effectively a murderer

He does not show any credible evidence of a conversion to faith in Christ Jesus.

It is the duty of the church to spit out those who are deceivers and liars.

[Ohioan from Florida]

Terri ping! If anyone would like to be added to or removed from my Terri ping list, please let me know by FReepmail!

[WilliamofCarmichael]

"Florida judge embroiled in right-to-die dispute," By Abby Goodnough The New York Times

Friday, March 18, 2005

http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/03/17/news/judge.html

"Greer is legally blind"

[tutstar]

poing

[farmer18th]

I e-mailed the pastor and demanded he be excommunicated

I'm beginning to wonder if we shouldn't do the same thing with Jeb Bush's pastor. Would someone tell me why the governor cannot impose executive authority here? Should Jeb being going to church and taking communion if he doesn't act here?

[NautiNurse]

Larcenia Bullard, D-Miami hasn't missed any meals lately.

[TheGrimReaper]

"Judge" Greer is a prime example of one of Mark Levin's "Men in Black".

[TXBubba]

This judge sounds like all the so called "religious liberals" who say they are Christians and believe in Christian morals and values but don't believe in practicing them.

Actually he sounds like another politician who uses his church membership to get votes and then drops them. Can anyone say, Jimmah Carter?

[nicmarlo]

What is it that God said.....if a town doesn't welcome Him, leave and shake the dust of your shoes? The church should do that to Greer. He's an unbeliever. By your fruits ye shall know them. Greer is a wicked man.

[DakotaRed]

"On Michael Savage now: a caller familiar with the judicial system in Florida is saying Judge Greer is legally blind...he cannot read documents! Someone HAS to read documents to him! Whether or not this is legit I can't say.."

The New York Times reported yesterday that the judge's eyesight is so bad he does not drive a car. They also said he claims to be a "Compassionate Coservative" and very proud of his religious beliefs (excuse me while I go barf).

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/17/national/17greer.html?ex=1268715600&en=6bbd62e3a2df7abd&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland

[Florida native]

"If I don't like what the St. Pete Times writes about me, my only recourse is to cancel my subscription." He told the deacon he would no longer make donations to the church.

So, if God disagrees with Greer, will he stop praying?

Greer is off the wall. His tithe might go first to his church, but it ends up furthering the Kingdom of Christ.

In effect, he has stopped "donating" to God, and that is misguided and dangerous for any true Christian.

God will not be mocked.

[TXBubba]

I don't think his "tithing" is where he is misguided as a Christian.

[singfreedom]

I find it particularly interesting that the only testimony allowed, concerning Terri's
ALLEGED "verbal" statements regarding her desire "not to live like that", were from her husband and HIS relatives (namely, his brother and sister-in-law).

This whole thing stinks to high heaven!

[syriacus]

He should withdraw his membership in the human race.

Maybe he can become an animal rights advocate, like Dianne Feinstein.
SENATOR FEINSTEIN'S HORSE SLAUGHTER BILL , makes sure that the bodies of dead American horses are not fed to foreigners.

[niteowl77]

So, if God disagrees with Greer, will he stop praying?

Greer has ordered the Church's collection plate pulled.

The guy has an ego problem that is scary-- he seems unfit for holding power.

[Paved Paradise]

So the guy quit his church..... like Pastor Tony Evans always says "Where does the Devil sit?" "In the first pew."

I'm not saying I know this Judge's heart, but one might be inclined to wonder.....

[syriacus]

find it particularly interesting that the only testimony allowed, concerning Terri's ALLEGED "verbal" statements regarding her desire "not to live like that", were from her husband and HIS relatives

Me, too.

Hearsay testimony from a serial philanderer should not be used to justify killing his wife.

[M. Espinola]

I have had Michael since his show began this evening and my eyes have more then opened concerning to the possibilities of criminal ulterior motives on the part of Terri Schiavo's so-called husband.

Murder by Order of Judge George Greer

Another piece of legal filth: George Felos, attorney for Michael Schiavo speaks before Pinellas County Circuit Judge George Greer during a Terri Schiavo hearing Thursday afternoon March 17th, 2005, in Clearwater, Fla.

(Florida 'Swamp Judge')

Pinellas County Circuit Judge George Greer listens to arguments by Department of Children and Families attorney Jennifer Lima-Smith during a Terri Schiavo hearing, Thursday afternoon, March 17th, 2005, in Clearwater, Fla.

President Bush MUST step in and save Terri, reversing the horrific beginnings of Nazism in the United States.

[syriacus]

he claims to be a "Compassionate Coservative"

He sounds more like a "wolf in sheep's clothing."

[sport]

I am glad he withdrew his membership.

It is just as well that he stopped giving. It is blood money and the Lord will not bless it ,nor does he want it.

[CindyDawg]

I had posted earlier that one of them would go. Sometimes it's the new courageous preacher if the "offended" has a strong tie with the body. You give because you want to. God doesn't need his money and this church will do fine without it. The bible discusses what to do about concerns with members. Funny. If this is the way it went down,I don't find snubbing the pastor there though. Yall seen this anywhere?

[Paved Paradise]

My Bible Study class is doing the book of James right now. Faith without deeds is dead. I keep thinking of the passage that talks about when we see our brother on the street and he has no clothing or food and we say to him "Be well, God bless you" but we don't clothe or feed him. We are guilty before God. When I heard that attorney on television say they had said "prayers" for her, I thought I'd gag.... reminded me of James. What good is a thought? It is meaningless until there is an action. I can think kind and good thoughts and sit here and do NOTHING. Even sincere and heartfelt prayer is an ACTION that has power and life.... Liberals are so dorky with all of their "thoughts." I always love when they say "our thoughts are with you" instead of "prayers" like their thoughts have some kind of power....

[M. Espinola]

There's a lot more then meets the eye, with the 'judge' and far beyond.

[PhilDragoo]

[CindyDawg]

I read somewhere that this pastor has only been there 5 months.

[sport]

Why is she crying? She voted to kill Terri.


11 posted on 03/18/2005 6:07:51 PM PST by Recovering_Democrat

Probably tears of joy.

[sport]

Reference your post # 12.

I agree.

[CindyDawg]

I told yall. We don't ex-communicate. People move on.

[syriacus]

Separated at birth?

[Zack Nguyen]

Whoa there. Let's not wish hell on anyone. That's God's call, not ours. We should pray for Judge Greer.