I am writing about Walter Backstrom’s article titled “Would Jesus Take I-5 or a helicopter?” (Jan. 10).

Where do I begin? Your article about my pastor, Casey Treat, is nothing short of shameful.

Your facts are tainted and without any foundation at all. I am sure you may have already heard from others who have told you that first and foremost there is no “his helicopter.” Each and every time that our pastor has had need of flying, we have rented a helicopter from a private firm at Boeing Field. We do not now, nor have we ever owned a helicopter.

Here is a bit of information that you have failed to make your readership aware of. Pastor Casey Treat nor any of our staff have flown for over one year. It was Christmas 2007 when our staff used the helicopter last.

You have suggested that we somehow adjust our service times to befit driving from Federal Way to Everett. You should be aware that to accommodate the task of serving the needs of both churches, Pastors Casey and Wendy have operated at separate locations week after week for over a year as well, in this time rarely having the opportunity to attend church together.

Now I will finally address your absolute gall to compare my pastors to Jim and Tammy Faye Baker or to Jimmy Swaggert. My pastors have been happily married for 30 years. Can you say the same? They have been pastoring the same church for over 25 years. They in that time have never, not once, been found or accused of any behavior that does not befit their roles as pastors. Furthermore, in that time they have had over 20 audits of both the church and their personal finances without a single blemish.

I don’t know you, but I would venture a guess that if you were put to the same scrutiny you would not fare as well.

I am rarely so offended by the use of the press for such grandstanding. You have taken your role of journalistic influence beyond its boundaries. It is time you check your internal integrity meter.

Danny Altizer

Federal Way