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Lee Relative Who Denounced White Supremacy Resigns As Pastor Of N.C. Church

Robert W. Lee IV said some members of his congregation were uncomfortable with the media attention he received after his speech against racism and hate on MTV's Video Music Awards in August.
The Rev. Robert Wright Lee, a relative of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, resigned on Monday as pastor from a North Carolina church. Above, Lee speaks at the MTV Video Music Awards in August. / Matt Sayles / Shutterstock.com

A descendant of a nephew of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee announced yesterday that he had resigned as pastor of his church in Winston-Salem, N.C. Robert Wright Lee IV, who came to national attention denouncing his relative's legacy on NPR and elsewhere, said he made the decision after Bethany United Church of Christ moved to vote on his tenure there.

"We are all. "There are so many good things going on with this congregation and I do not want my fight to detract from the mission. If the recent media attention causes concern with my church, I reluctantly offer my resignation."

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