Frequently Asked Questions

Transcription

1 Frequently Asked Questions as revised November 25, 2014

2 Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Session s Recommendation to Seek Dismissal From Flint River Presbytery to Join ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians The Education and Communication Team has been appointed by the Session to provide the congregation with as much information as possible to equip each person for the congregational vote on this recommendation. This is the first FAQ publication. We invite the congregation to submit other questions, and we are committed to answering these questions so each person will be prepared to vote. 1. Why are we seeking dismissal from PC(USA)? This question will be addressed more completely in future education sessions. A summary of the reasons for seeking dismissal follow: The actions of PC(USA) leaders are affirming as truth theology and doctrine that is contrary to what is stated in the Confessions and Holy Scripture. PC(USA) is increasingly embracing political positions. Although these stances may be well-intentioned endeavors designed to promote social righteousness in concert with that Great End of the Church, these actions can distract us from the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16 20). The area of church governance is a concern. By approving Overture 10-03, On Issuing an Authoritative Interpretation of W to Affirm Pastoral Discretion in Performing Marriage Ceremonies, the 221st General Assembly of PC(USA) changed the constitution unilaterally instead of following the traditional process of amending the constitution through ratification by the presbyteries. Overture and a similar proposal (Overture 10-02) to amend W of the Book of Order introduced tension among the Scriptures, the Book of Confessions, and the Book of Order. Whereas this Authoritative Interpretation changed the meaning of part of the constitution, the General Assembly is following it up with the traditional process of amending the constitution. 2. How did we get to the place in the process where we are now? Concerns from the congregation prompted the Session to appoint a General Assembly Response Team (GART) to study the situation and bring to the Session a recommendation. GART considered four options: (1) continue our affiliation with PC(USA), (2) continue our affiliation with PC(USA) and align the Fellowship Community (formerly known as the Fellowship of Presbyterians), (3) seek dismissal from PC(USA) and join ECO: A Covenant

3 2 Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, and (4) seek dismissal from PC(USA) and join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). After about 3 months of study, interviews, discussions, and much prayer, GART recommended to the Session that First Presbyterian Church seek dismissal and join ECO. This was presented to the Session on September 29, 2014, and after additional discernment and prayer, the recommendation was approved by majority vote on October 6, How do we go about seeking dismissal? We will answer this question in detail at education sessions. Our Presbytery, Flint River Presbytery, has specific dismissal procedures. We are required to have two congregational votes held more than six months and less than nine months apart. The results of these votes will determine the next steps. 4. How much will it cost to leave the Flint River Presbytery? We will be required to pay a lump sum, which is equal to the average annual pledge to Flint River Presbytery for the last five years. 5. What will happen to Flint River Presbytery if we leave? We are the largest church in Flint River Presbytery and provide financial support beyond what is required. However, the Session can consider continuing to support missions of Flint River Presbytery that are important to us. 6. What about our property? The Book of Order (G ) states that the our property is held in trust for the use and benefit of the PC(USA). Flint River Presbytery has set a precedent by granting property to two churches in our Presbytery when they dissolved their relationships with the presbytery. This will be discussed in detail at education sessions. 7. If we join ECO, can we still keep the name First Presbyterian Church? We believe so. Other churches who have been dismissed have kept their names. The Flint River Presbytery Dismissal Policy does not address that. 8. Isn t Executive Presbyter Paul Luthman retiring? What will happen when he is gone? Deb Bibler, who has been Paul Luthman s assistant, will be the interim executive presbyter for a year. Paul will remain as a consultant.

4 3 9. What happens to our pastors pensions and health care if they join ECO? If our pastors join ECO, their pensions will remain for the PC(USA) pension plan to manage until withdrawn at retirement. No more additions will be made to their accounts. ECO has a pension plan and health care plan in which they could enroll. 10. Why couldn t we just sit back and watch the situation for a few more years before making this move? With every General Assembly, more and more changes are being made. According to its Web site, PC(USA) lost more than 1000 congregations and 26.8% of its members between 2003 and We do not know what the future holds and believe this is the right time to make this decision. 11. Separation from the denomination would be difficult. Is it worth the effort? Following God s commandments in this fallen world is difficult, so it is just another step in faithfulness and spiritual growth. The goal is to follow God s call for His church. If we discern that God is calling us to separate from the denomination, then faithfulness to His call is worth the effort. We trust that in following God s call, God will make the way possible. 12.There is much discussion about same-sex marriage. What actually happened at that 221 st General Assembly? The 221 st General Assembly (2014) moved in the direction of allowing same-sex marriages to be performed in PC(USA) churches by the following actions: An Authoritative Interpretation changed the way the language at W of Book of Order is interpreted. This unilateral change to the constitution did not follow the traditional process of amending the constitution through ratification by presbyteries. Based on this interpretation, same-sex marriages can be performed in states where it is legal. An overture (10-02) was approved to amend W of the Book of Order, changing the definition of marriage from between a man and a

5 4 woman to between two people, traditionally a man and a woman. This amendment has been sent to the presbyteries for ratification. 13. What is ECO? ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians is a Reformed denomination that is structured to feel like an association, with an emphasis on low-control governance, relational networks, and autonomy for local congregations. By investing in churches and pastors, ECO exists to advance a gospel movement to make Jesus Christ known. 14.Why ECO? ECO uses the same Book of Confessions as PC(USA), includes a list of essential tenets, and ordains both men and women. 15. Does being Evangelical mean far right-wing fundamentalism? Evangelical means being about the business of sharing the Good News, knowing Christ, and making Him known. ECO is made up of congregations like us. They were members of PC(USA) but felt called to seek a relationship with another Reformed denomination. 16. Couldn t we just be independent? As Presbyterians, we are connected in relationship with other congregations. Accountability, shared resources, and shared missions all are good things that can come from being connected. Independent churches do not have systemic theology developed over many centuries of scholarship to define their actions and beliefs. The Flint River Presbytery Dismissal Policy states that we can only seek dismissal if we are moving to another Reformed denomination. 17. What if the congregational vote is for dismissal but some members choose to stay with PC(USA)? Flint River Presbytery states in its dismissal policy, "Any members of the congregation who vote to remain in Flint River Presbytery will be given care and consideration in accordance with the Book of Order."