This is a good congregation. I think I could have gotten 85 percent of the vote. Marxhausen was often quoted in the media about the suffering of the Klebolds and other Columbine families. Barnes' family had also attended St. Philip. Marxhausen is leaving St. Philip as of Aug. 27, said his bishop, the Rev. Allan Bjornberg.
Feelings are pretty raw.
After the shootings, Marxhausen sent word through the grapevine that he would aid the Klebold family if they wished. In addition to officiating at the funeral, he stoutly defended the parents. He was critical of the communitywide memorial service held for Columbine victims at which Franklin Graham spoke. The son of famed evangelist Billy Graham used most of his sermon to stress the importance of being saved by Jesus. Marxhausen and other liberal clergy, as well as area Jews, criticized the service for ignoring various religious groups and viewpoints.