TENNESSEE
The Tennessean
Joey Garrison , USA Today Network – Tennessee Published April 18, 2017
Nashville will name a one-block overpass bridge on Jefferson Street after Bishop Joseph Walker III, one of city’s most prominent pastors, following action from the Metro Council on Tuesday.
The council voted 30-0, with an unusually high eight abstentions, to honor Walker, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, with the distinction. The overpass crosses the interstate between 11th and 12th avenues on Jefferson Street near one of Mt. Zion’s three churches.
The honorary name, pushed by At-large Councilman Erica Gilmore, has caused a hubbub in the council. Some have questioned whether it’s appropriate to name civic structures after people who are living. Council members Sharon Hurt and Tanaka Vercher have said other pastors besides Walker are also worthy of being honored.
Councilman Scott Davis told colleagues Tuesday that the real “elephant in the room” is previous allegations made against Walker. He was referring to 2012 lawsuits led by a woman parishioner that accused Walker of sexual abuse. A judge dismissed the complaints because of the statute of limitations.
Davis said he would let his own daughter attend programs at Mt. Zion and said the allegations against Walker aren’t true.
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