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'ChristIsKing': NYC Judge Rules Couple Cannot Change Their Last Name

Judge Rules Couple Cannot Change Their Last Name To 'ChristIsKing'
Associated Press
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MIAMI - FEBRUARY 02: A judges gavel rests on top of a desk in the courtroom of the newly opened Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum February 3, 2009 in Miami, Florida. The museum is located in the only known structure in the nation that was designed, devoted to and operated as a separate station house and municipal court for African-Americans. In September 1944, the first black patrolmen were sworn in as emergency policemen to enforce the law in what was then called the 'Central Negro District.' The precinct building opened in May 1950 to provide a station house for the black policemen and a courtroom for black judges in which to adjudicate black defendants. The building operated from 1950 until its closing in 1963. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (AP) – A judge has told a Staten Island pastor and his wife that they cannot take the Lord's name in vain.

Civil Court Judge Philip Straniere has ruled that the couple could not change their last name to ChristIsKing.

Michael and Angela Nwadiuko expressed disappointment in the ruling.

The judge cited the separation of church and state in his ruling earlier this month.

The couple's request six years ago to change their son Jeremy's first name to JesusIsLord also was denied by the same judge.

Their daughter's name is Rejoice.

Nwadiuko is a pastor of Christ the Lord Evangelistic Association. He told the Daily News he holds no grudge against the judge despite the ruling. He said he prays "that God will bless his life."

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