Totally am with Mike. Mike was simply being true to himself. I fully agree that if you’re a church and “serving God” but you believe there’s a fee, then charge it plain and simple.
Once he said if you come to church then there’s no fee, it’s religious extortion, plain and simple. Had he charged it and left it at that, then it’s clear. Going to church every Sunday requires tithing, so you’re paying regardless. It’s the way he handled it that makes the priest/pastor wrong—IMHO.

Anyhow, glad it all worked out—bday Christmas and anniversary! Special month for you!