I generally refer to ECO as ‘homophobic liberals’. They are the latest group to break off from the PCUSA, and were too liberal for EPC (the previous group). The embrace women pastors and elders, and were tolerant of the PCUSA’s pro-abortion positions.
With respect to Gamecock’s post 42, I’d add a footnote to the PCA. Some of the congregations have UNordained women deacons or deaconesses. So while he is correct that women cannot be ordained as deacons in the PCA, there are congregations that will show women in diaconal roles on their website (In your area, I believe 10th Presbyterian in Philly falls into this category).
In many respects, the ARP is generally more conservative than the PCA, but they do ordain women as deacons (although not all churches do so, and there is some pushback from the congregations that don’t.)
Frankly, PCA congregations should be looked at on a case-by-case basis. While they will generally be the best Presbyterian option available (more conservative denominations tend to be regional) there are congregations which should be avoided.
**Some of the congregations have UNordained women deacons or deaconesses. So while he is correct that women cannot be ordained as deacons in the PCA, there are congregations that will show women in diaconal roles on their website**
Great point.
Makes sense because I did see some extended discussion of deaconesses on the OCP site.
We have this same debate within the Catholic Church...everyone knows there are references to female deacons in early Church history. The question is were they fully ordained the way male deacons were, or unordained and just called deacons by analogy?
Good to see some denominations standing firm on this.