Caleb and Joshua Thompson, pastors at Capitol City Baptist Church, were released from jail just before 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The two men turned themselves in Tuesday after a warrant was issued for their arrest. They are two independent, fundamentalist Baptist pastors accused of beating an 11-year-old boy because he didn't take his Bible study seriously.
"Naturally, we are so sorry about what has happened to this boy, but we maintain that once all the facts come out, our clients will be exonerated. They'll be found not guilty once the facts come out, and we just ask the public to wait until the facts are brought forth," said Jerald Finney, the Thompson's attorney.
Meanwhile, the congregation gathered for their first service since the arrests.
No cameras or recording equipment were allowed into the service.
But, the church's Sunday School teacher, David Muralt, for the past 10 years, spoke out about the allegations.
"The instructions to me have been to never spank a child, no corporal punishment. It's out of the question. That was the instruction from the pastor, from his mouth," said Muralt said.
Other independent, fundamentalist Baptist churches in the Austin area are also speaking out about the allegations.
A former Capitol City Baptist Church member, who wishes to remain anonymous, told us sermons preached using a rod to punish children.
The former church member also said she earned a book when she was in the church long enough that addresses this in detail.
But, Pastor David Burkholder of Trinity Baptist Church stresses not all independent, fundamentalist religious organizations operate the same way.
"I do not believe in child beating. I'm opposed to it. A proper, controlled, disciplined adult administering the proper punishment, I feel is right and in order," he said.
John Gibson has been bringing his family to Trinity Baptist Church for almost a year. He said he is saddened by allegations against Capitol City.
"I do not agree with the church instilling corporal punishment on a member, a child, an adult or whomever that is. That's charged in the word of God for parents to do," he said.
Members of Trinity Baptist Church said their faith is still strong because God is on their side.
