Church to keep property (Presbyterian Ohio) (Ecuminic)

Akron Beacon Journal ^ | May 15, 2008 | Colette M. Jenkins

[PAR35]

The regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and representatives of the Stow Presbyterian Church have reached an agreement that allows the local congregation to keep the church property.

The pact comes after 18 months of discussions between the Stow church and the Eastminster Presbytery, according to the Rev. Dan Schomer, who leads the Mineral Ridge-based presbytery, which includes 55 churches in Summit, Portage, Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

''The action to dissolve the congregation effectively severs the ties of the church to the denomination and permits it to continue its ministry as an independent congregation,'' Schomer said in a prepared statement.

As part of the deal, the presbytery agreed not to pursue legal action for property rights to the church facility based on the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that states the property is held in trust for the denomination.

The Stow Church promised to provide a gift of $40,000 in direct support of mission projects of the presbytery over five years.

[PAR35]

The conservatives keep the property and make nominal payments to the presbytery. Of course, when the presbytery in Louisiana tried to settle cases such as this, the Synod jumped in and took over. So they need to get the deal finalized before the Synod or national folks can jump in.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Good news - congrats to those who realized the need to leave the national group.

[Tax-chick]

I wish them the best in resolving the situation to the satisfaction of all parties. These property situations are very difficult in several denominations, I know.

[PAR35]

congrats to those who realized the need to leave the national group.

It takes a bit of courage, which is sadly lacking in many churches.