Brawl Erupts at North Carolina Church

FLETCHER, North Carolina -- Authorities say a dispute over leadership at a church in western North Carolina turned from angry words to fist fights.

About 30 police officers from five agencies were called to break up fights Sunday at Greater New Zion Baptist Church in Fletcher, about 94 miles (150 kilometers) west of Charlotte.
Henderson County Sheriff's Capt. Jerry Rice says no one appears to have been seriously hurt.

Church members are divided over the recent ouster of the Rev. LeVonia Ray as pastor of the church. The fighting apparently began over whether a vote should be held to reinstate him.

Rice says there were about 75 people at the church when police arrived, but not all of them were scuffling. No charges have been filed.