Dr. Al B. Sutton, Pastor of Birmingham's Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, Resigns Abruptly

SHOCK:  Dr. Al B. Sutton, pastor of one of Birmingham's largest churches, has resigned effective immediately to start his own church.

According to ABC 3340.com, the announcement came as a shock to many as Dr. Al B. Sutton stepped down as pastor of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church.

Sutton cited "ongoing tension" as his reason for stepping aside, ABC 3340 said. Sutton succeeded Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lieutenant, Rev. John Porter, ten years ago.