Church Protest in Franklin

News 2 Nashville/June 25, 2003

A Williamson County church, that's all about losing weight, has come under fire on the Sabbath.

Sunday morning, a small group of protestors picketed outside the "Weigh Down Workshop" in Franklin.

Workshop founder Gwen Shamblin has been featured on ABC's 20/20 for her unique approach at teaching members to turn to God, rather than food.

But one woman, whose daughter goes there, claims the church has become more like a cult.

Protestor Pam Kearney said, "You got to read gwen's books, everything. You got to buy her videos. Everything is about Gwen. They think she is Mother God."

News 2 had no luck trying to reach Gwen Shamblin, but the daughter of Pam Kearny says her mother's retaliation is the result of a family feud.