AIDS-afflicted pastor fired for adulterous affairs won't appeal dismissal

Juan McFarland
Juan McFarland

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- A Baptist preacher has agreed not to appeal a judge's decision that he was rightfully fired after admitting to having sex with married parishioners and not telling them he had AIDS.

Lawyers say a settlement was reached between Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery and Rev. Juan McFarland. The financial terms are confidential, but McFarland agreed not to appeal. A judge ruled last year that the church rightfully fired McFarland.

Attorney Dwayne Brown says McFarland never sought to justify conduct he admitted was wrong. Brown said the settlement will help the sides move forward.

Kenneth Shinbaum, a lawyer for the church, said parishioners were caring and wanted to leave McFarland with something.

The church took McFarland to court when he continued to show up to work after being fired.

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