They sat on either side of the staid federal courtroom in Portland, ready to argue their case.

Neither was a lawyer.

After U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon instructed them how the half-day trial would go, opening statements began.

“U.S. Army veteran, church pastor, father, published author, information tech professional for over 30 years,” 55-year-old Mervin W. January began.

The Portland pastor accused the mother of his now-adult son of defaming him, citing a Facebook page that features January’s photo under the heading “Deadbeat Dad.”

He blamed her for the social media post, saying it deeply damaged his reputation, harmed his credibility as a leader of the Saved to Serve Ministries, turned congregants against him and has made it impossible for him to hold a steady job. Sacred to

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