Small church bans interracial couples

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A tiny Appalachian church in Pike County has voted to ban interracial couples from joining its flock, but the member who brought the resolution says he's not a racist.

Members at the Gulnare Free Will Baptist Church voted Sunday on the resolution, which says the church "does not condone interracial marriage." Member Melvin Thompson crafted the resolution but said Wednesday that he is "not racist." Thompson says the matter is an internal affair of the church.

Church member Dean Harville says an appearance at the church by his daughter and her boyfriend, a native of Africa, prompted the vote. Harville says the couple visited and sang a song at the church in June.

Harville and Thompson said the church's governing conference will meet soon to attempt to resolve the issue.