Somebody Up There Doesn't Like Him

But Thomas's future is even further clouded by an ongoing investigation by postal inspectors. George Andrews of the U.S. Postal Service says a ten-month probe of possible mail fraud remains open because authorities still lack testimony from a church insider. Officials hope the pressure of the upcoming theft trial will prompt somebody to talk. "We're praying for that one element to put the case together," he says. "What makes this case difficult is that some people actually did work for their degrees both in the classroom and through the mail. Those who didn't do any work at all just don't want to come forward."

Thomas, in his counterattack, is not reticent to press his own case against various government officials. He claims his pleas for medical care for his thrombotic condition were ignored by jail officials last year; that's why he's seeking $15,000 in damages. And his church members want more than $4 million for the state government's alleged harassment.

Sadly, Thomas says he's the victim of people "who have an ax to grind." Assistant Attorney General Dyl says Thomas is nothing of the kind. "He has really personalized everything thaR>tR>'R>sR> going on as some sort of crusade," notes Dyl.

But Thomas insists on taking the high road. The conspirators against him, he says, include former church members whom he excommunicated because they were involved in situations that were "morally or ethically unsound."

The archbishop adds, "We're up here trying to save what's left of our church--thanks to Mr. Dyl.