Two months after the Rev. Jay R. Lawlor allegedly shoved an elderly parishioner at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Kalamazoo, both sides are standing their ground.
Marcia Morrison wants Lawlor to be prosecuted for assault; Lawlor wants a trial to prove his innocence. There were no resolution during a status hearing earlier this week, and the case goes to trial today before District Judge Vincent Westra, said Carrie Klein, Kalamazoo County chief assistant prosecutor.
Lawlor, 41, is facing a charge of assault and battery for allegedly shoving Morrison during a confrontation at the church on March 6. Lawlor resigned as pastor three days later.