Palin s burned-out church holds services elsewhere

12/14/2008

WASILLA, Alaska Members of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin s church gathered in high spirits at a middle school Sunday, two days after their building was badly damaged by a fire authorities are investigating as arson.

Ms. Palin, the former Republican vice presidential candidate, did not attend services Sunday because she was in Juneau preparing to propose a state budget, said her spokesman, Bill McAllister.

The congregation realizes the church is more than the building, said John Doak, associate pastor at Wasilla Bible Church.

The definition of the church is the body of Christ, made up of God s people, Mr. Doak said after the hour-long service at Wasilla Middle School, attended by about 1,200 people. The church is still there. We are the church.

Damage to the 2 -year-old church building is estimated at $1 million. The blaze erupted at the main entrance Friday night while a small group, including two children, were inside. No one was injured.

Fire Chief James Steele said the blaze is being investigated as an arson.

Patsy Inks said the news initially shocked and frustrated her. But by Sunday, she was feeling blessed, she said at the school, where worshippers lingered over a potluck dinner for a church family leaving Alaska.

This tragedy has brought us all together, Ms. Inks said, her eyes welling.

Governor Palin, who was not at the church at the time of the fire, stopped by Saturday. According to Mr. McAllister, Ms. Palin told an assistant pastor she was sorry if the fire was connected to the undeserved negative attention the church has received since she became the vice presidential candidate Aug. 29.

After Ms. Palin was named John McCain s running mate, the evangelical church was the subject of intense scrutiny. Early in her campaign, the church was criticized for promoting in a Sunday bulletin a Focus on the Family Love Won Out Conference in Anchorage.

The conference promised to help men and women dissatisfied with living homosexually understand that same-sex attractions can be overcome.