Highland Park Presbyterian Church Votes to Change to New Presbyterian Denomination

NJ.com ^ | 10/28/2013

[Alex Murphy]

DALLAS, Oct. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of Highland Park Presbyterian Church voted Sunday to end the church's voluntary relationship with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), PC(USA), and begin steps to join a new Presbyterian denomination, ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.

More than 1,500 members of the congregation voted, endorsing a plan proposed by church elders and the board of trustees by an 89 percent margin. In September, the church's Session unanimously agreed to begin a discernment and discussion process that culminated in Sunday's congregational vote.

"By joining ECO, we are not walking away from our Presbyterian values; we are preserving them," said Rev. Joe Rightmyer, Interim Senior Pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church. "With this vote to change, we will still be Christians in the rich stream of Presbyterian theology, and are ready to begin working with other churches in a growing denomination that is guided by the same beliefs and tenets that guide us."

Church elders recommended parting with PC(USA) and its district body, Grace Presbytery, based on fundamental disagreements over core theological beliefs; the authority of Scripture and salvation through Jesus Christ alone; and the impact of PC(USA) governance policy and practices on the life of Highland Park Presbyterian, particularly on the selection process for new pastors.

[Alex Murphy]

More than 1,500 members of the congregation voted, endorsing a plan proposed by church elders and the board of trustees by an 89 percent margin. In September, the church's Session unanimously agreed to begin a discernment and discussion process that culminated in Sunday's congregational vote....Church elders recommended parting with PC(USA) and its district body, Grace Presbytery, based on fundamental disagreements over core theological beliefs; the authority of Scripture and salvation through Jesus Christ alone; and the impact of PC(USA) governance policy and practices on the life of Highland Park Presbyterian, particularly on the selection process for new pastors.

[GreyFriar]

Apparently break with mainline Presbyterian Church over the PC(USA)’s decision to lift its ban on non-celibate gay and lesbian clergy in 2011, among other things.

The new organizations website is: http://eco-pres.org/

Don’t ask me questions as I’m not Presbyterian and am posting this for information not included in the article

[aimhigh]

Interesting. I’m curious how they differ from the PCA denomination.

[NoCmpromiz]

I’m curious how they differ from the PCA denomination.

Download ECO Essential Tenets & Confessional Standards