Kids & Family

Glenkirk Severs Ties With Presbyterian Denomination

The church switches denominations from Presbyterian Church (USA) to a new order established this year.

Citing theological conflicts with the Presbyterian Church (USA), , a 1,100-member congregation in Glendora, CA, is switching denominations to join the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO).

 The church’s governing board unanimously approved the proposal, which 97 percent of the congregation voted in favor of on Aug. 26.

Pastor Jim Miller said the church, which had been associated with the Presbyterian Church since it was established in 1955, had been considering the transfer for several years

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Miller pointed to theological indecision within the Presbyterian Church (USA) as reasons to sever ties with the denomination.

“There isn’t one central conflict within PC (USA) that is initiating this change,” said Miller. “There have been several conflicts throughout the years that have been resolved, but new ones surface…we believed PC (USA) is moving further away from the mission and beliefs our church.”

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One theological disagreement concerns the belief of Jesus Christ rising from the dead. While most Christian faiths believe that after three days of his crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead, Miller said many pastors within PC (USA) would challenge that belief in their sermons.

“That belief is a central, important belief of our Christian faith,” said Miller.

Presbyterian churches throughout the nation have left PC (USA), including Covina Presbyterian in Covina.

Other stances on controversial issues have led to other churches to split from PC (USA). The denomination's decision to grant health benefits to same-sex domestic partners prompted Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura to break affiliation with PC (USA). Another church in Fort Collins, Colo. is eyeing a split with PC (USA) over "irreconcilable spiritual differences" concerning the church's position on gay issues, according to The Deseret News.

Miller said Glenkirk is joining the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, a new denomination of the Presbyterian Church formed earlier this year, because of its closer interpretation to traditional biblical beliefs and its commitment to evangelism and Christian ministry.


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