Mike in Mystic wrote:
That's not how that story read to me at all. The guy needs a parking lot
for a church, and this tree is in the way. A bunch of who-knows-who got
their panties in a wad about "saving the tree" and he gave them an
alternative. How is that blackmail? He stated his position, gave them the
option. If they choose not to follow it, he'll cut the tree down, which is
perfectly within his right's it seems to me.

You got it, Mike! If this was a private citizen instead of a pastor, he
wouldn't be catching this flak.