Falwell to Aid Tumultuous Bangor Baptist

BANGOR, Maine —  Rev. Jerry Falwell has agreed to serve as interim pastor of the Bangor Baptist Church until it recovers from the scandal generated by its founder’s admission that he had an affair with a parishioner.

Falwell’s office in Lynchburg, Va., confirmed that he would serve until a permanent pastor can be found to replace the Rev. Buddy Frankland. Falwell said Frankland assured him he was leaving the ministry and wouldn’t seek to regain his post at Bangor Baptist.

“I would not be interested at all in expending efforts unless for the purpose of a complete healing,” Falwell said. “Reverend Frankland has told me that he cannot be part of the church’s future, and I agree.”

Falwell’s new duties became effective on Sunday.

Falwell’s move is largely symbolic. He said he will conduct a “church restoration” rally Jan. 14 at Bangor Baptist, but most of the time the work at Bangor will be handled by some of his more than 100 assistant pastors at Thomas Road Church in Lynchburg.

Bangor Baptist, believed to be the biggest church in Maine, has been in turmoil since October, when Frankland, who founded it 19 years ago, admitted to an affair with a church member. Its membership of 5,000 has reportedly dwindled to 2,500. Some who left founded their own Christian school as a substitute for Bangor Baptist’s.