Ministers Complain About Slow Payments

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Sometimes chanting "Write the check," about 40 black ministers and protesters gathered at a suburban New Orleans church, demanding faster action from the BP claims process.

Ministers said failure to pay fishermen and others affected by the BP oil spill has led to widespread suffering, as well as lower donations for area churches.

Monday's protest occurred at Calvary Baptist Church in Kenner.

Participants included the Rev. Vincent Fusilier Sr. of Terrebonne Parish, who said minorities, including American Indians and African-Americans, along with low-income whites, are suffering due to the impact of the spill and slow claims payments. The protests come a week after claim fund administrator Kenneth Feinberg traveled to the Gulf Coast to hear complaints about the process.