Parishioners at an Alabama church have filed a lawsuit against their pastor who is accused of having sex with congregation members while knowing he had AIDS.
The members of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Montgomery hope to oust longtime pastor Juan McFarland.
The church's lawsuit accuses Rev McFarland and another church member of changing the building's locks after churchgoers attempted to have the pastor removed.
The pair are also accused of blocking access to church bank accounts.
Rev McFarland reportedly admitted during a series of sermons in September that he had sex with female parishioners while knowing he had AIDS.
The congregation approved a resolution accusing the pastor of engaging in adulterous affairs and voted to have him removed.
The lawsuit also accuses Rev McFarland of misappropriating church funds and using illegal drugs.
Deacon Nathan Williams Jr, a 71-year-old member of the church, told The Montgomery Advertiser: "He was on marijuana, cocaine and all the drugs you can think of."
"Those are his words," Mr Williams added.
Rev McFarland has served as pastor at Shiloh Missionary Baptist for 21 years, according to the church's website.
He has declined media requests for comment.
http://news.sky.com/story/1353095/aids-pastor-had-sex-with-churchgoers
