I'm sorry for this. Change is tough no matter what it is, where. I think it's the people's responsibility to support whomever is in the pulpit though, unless there is cause to otherwise not.

I'm always the one to take my time and let things settle before joining the bandwagon, so to speak. I'm glad this worked for you in this case.

I haven't realize that the organization would wait 10 years to move someone, usually it's done within 3 years. Perhaps you could contact the old pastor where he went and share some of your concerns with his leaving?

TC