DALLAS — Frederick D. Haynes III the Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church , will take a temporary leave of absence following a recent medical diagnosis, the church announced.

Haynes has led Friendship-West Baptist Church since 1983 and grown its membership from 100 to 13,000, according to the church's website. He also has a significant public profile beyond his church, for his activism and leadership both in North Texas and nationwide.

He will take a temporary medical leave of absence from the church and undergo surgery, according to a press release from Friendship-West Baptist Church. The church did not provide a clear timeline for his return.

"He is scheduled to undergo surgery and will spend the coming weeks focused on recovery," the release states.

Rev. David Malcolm M

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