Detroit ministers denouncing religious leader's visit

March 13, 2001, 7:04 AM

DETROIT (AP) -- A controversial religious leader's upcoming Michigan tour has distressed some local preachers, provoking them to speak out against his visit.

The Rev. Sun Myung Moon's staff sent a letter to many Detroit-area churches earlier this month, inviting the religious community to his March 21 appearance at a Detroit Baptist church.

But two Detroit preachers who say Moon's staff claimed they are cosponsoring the event have spoken out against the event.

The Rev. Frederick Sampson of Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Rev. Eddie Edwards expressed their frustrations with Moon in a live television broadcast Monday.

Moon is making a whirlwind tour of 49 cities that began Feb. 25 in New York City.

"It is important to let people know that I am not in support of this event," Edwards told the Detroit Free Press.

Edwards and Sampson say they oppose Moon's ministry as contrary to Christian teaching. They say Moon's church promotes him as a new messiah sent by God.

Moon's Michigan director, the Rev. David Kasbow apologized for including the names.