Inevitably, support for President Bush in the hinterlands has taken on a cult-like quality:

Religion and politics clash over a local church’s declaration that Democrats are not welcome. East Waynesville Baptist asked nine members to leave. Now 40 more have left the church in protest. Former members say Pastor Chan Chandler gave them the ultimatum, saying if they didn’t support George Bush, they should resign or repent. The minister declined an interview with News 13. But he did say “the actions were not politically motivated.” There are questions about whether the bi-laws were followed when the members were thrown out.

The by-laws probably state, “All members of this church shall worship George W. Bush or be cast out as heathens.”

There is video here.