http://www.qctimes.com/internal.php?t=Search&doc=/2004/12/29/stories/local/1042435.txtPro-life display causes stirDecember 29, 2004
By Barb Ickes
The graphic anti-abortion sign is gone from the pastor’s yard, but the political fallout still lingers in LeClaire, Iowa.
Pastor Tim Groves of New Life Community Church created a stir in his small community and in his church in late October when he posted a giant blown-up color photograph of a decapitated newborn in his yard.
The sign urged people to vote for President Bush and other pro-life candidates in the Nov. 2 election.
But several parents and other citizens complained that the sign was inappropriate for neighborhood children who happened by, and some congregants in Groves’ church took exception to the sign and its political message.
LeClaire police became involved and some of the hard feelings among church members continue to simmer.
Two elderly members of Groves’ church filed harassment complaints against him last month, alleging that he repeatedly called them and hounded them for supporting U.S. Sen. John Kerry for president.
He also preached from the pulpit that Christians are obligated to vote for pro-life candidates.
Police warned the pastor to steer clear of the women and recently said Groves appears to be complying.