In choosing ECO, Trinity’s session stated the new Reformed body has “much of the same ‘DNA’ (values, beliefs and practices) as the PCUSA at its best, but will be less likely to drift from them because its leaders will agree to a written statement of essential beliefs, which will provide clearly defined boundaries.”
After bidding farewell to its largest church, a Florida presbytery also confirmed the dismissal of another of its large churches, leading the congregation to officially join the newest Presbyterian denomination.
On June 5, the Presbytery of Central Florida unanimously approved the dismissal of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Satellite Beach, Fla. to the recently formed ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.
Comparing theological shifts within the Presbyterian Church (USA) to the tip of a larger iceberg, the 800-member church voted 360-62 in May to request dismissal, stating “the PCUSA has been drifting from the clear teaching of Scripture.”
“If our congregation is like a ship at sea, this reduction of the Bible’s authority seems like a dangerous iceberg,” the session stated in its initial report.
At the same meeting, the presbytery also approved the dismissal of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando to theEvangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) – a loss of 3,951 members.
The majority of churches fleeing the PCUSA believes the denomination no longer recognizes the authority of Scripture and is embracing universalism. An increasing number of churches decided to depart after the 2011 passage of Amendment 10A and the new Form of Government.
The amendment deleted the explicit “fidelity/chastity” requirement from the constitutional ordination standard, and now allows the PCUSA to ordain noncelibate gay people as deacons, elders and pastors.
In December of 2010, Central Florida voted down Amendment 10A by a vote of 65-140.
“The presbytery has adopted an interpretation of the requirements for ordination that says that in Central Florida Presbytery we understand that standard to include fidelity within the bounds of marriage and chastity in singleness,” the presbytery’s resolution response team told Trinity members during a listening session before the vote.
“We have not concluded that homosexual people can be received as ministers in this presbytery,” the presbytery stated.
However, Trinity’s session stated the standards adopted by Central Florida may not stand up to denominational scrutiny.
“Though well-intended, we believe that this presbytery resolution will be shown to be unconstitutional once it is challenged in ecclesiastical court. The PCUSA General Assembly’s Permanent Judicial Commission has already ruled that ‘no lower governing body can constitutionally define, diminish, augment or modify standards for ordination and installation of church officers,’” the session stated.
In a letter sent to congregants this week, Trinity’s session members expressed surprise and joy at the fact that that Central Florida dismissed the church with no financial payment expectations.
“It’s very rare for a congregation to be dismissed without any penalty,” the session noted, adding, “We celebrate this mutual graciousness.”
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