Shooting Victim, Colorado Church Member Ousted; Congregation Tries To Move On From Shooting

December 17, 2007 7:29 a.m. EST

Colorado Springs, CO (AHN) - A member of the New Life Church, one of the sites of Matthew Murray's shooting rampage, was ejected for displaying aggressive and dangerous behavior. The man apparently threatened to contribute to the violent scene as he called for a weapon with the intention of shooting Murray.

Larry Bourbonnais, 54, who got shot during the incident, was escorted out of the church Sunday, shouting "I took a bullet for this church."

The church's Rev. Brady Boyd said Bourbonnais refused attempts from the church to meet with him. They claimed that he contributed to the traumatic event by handling situation the way he did.

"I appreciate he took the initiative (to stop Murray)," the Rocky Mountain News quoted Boyd, "but his actions last week probably did more to harm the process than help it."

The pastor added that the congregation was ready to move beyond the tragic incident. He said that the experience, along with a few more scandals that have plagued the church, were nothing more that tests of faith.

"Last weekend was a test," the AP quoted the reverend who was addressing the service congregation, "but we're passing the test."

The leader of the National Association of Evangelicals Rev. Leith Anderson also noted the incident on a CNN interview with Larry King. The Houston Chronicle quoted the reverend as he credited Rev. Boyd for "demonstrating his faithfulness to God and the experience of God's grace in the midst of tragedy."

He also stated that he shared the views of Rev. Boyd regarding the tragedy being a test of faith.

"This is a test of fire in his pastoral leadership, and the nation is watching," he said.

Anderson further announced that Rev. Boyd would receive the support of the NAE.

"We have confidence in him and the church to weather this storm and be victorious in the midst of calamity."