PITTSBURGH, Pa., June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of the Memorial Park Presbyterian Church voted today to seek dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (USA).
At a congregational meeting, 951 members voted in favor of a proposal to seek to separate from the denomination and affiliate with the conservative Evangelical Presbyterian Church. A "yes" vote by 761 members, or 52% percent of the 1,450 member congregation, was needed to ratify the secession plan.
"We are saddened that Memorial Park members and leaders have elected to separate from the Presbyterian Church," said James Mead, Pastor to Pittsburgh Presbytery. "However, we believe that wrestling with such painful issues is part of God's redemptive plan for the world. It is our prayer that as we move forward, our Christian love for each other will shine forth into our community as a witness to the risen Lord."
Mead said that the presbytery and the session will work together to provide pastoral care for those Memorial Park members who do not wish to leave the Presbyterian Church (USA). "We will work with each individual to help him or her find a new church home where they can continue to grow in Christ and to participate with the Spirit in the mission God gives."
