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What Is Happening?
After a long process of prayerful discernment, Mebane Presbyterian Church has decided to seek dismissal from the Presbyterian Church USA in order to join another Presbyterian Denomination.
Our session has requested to begin the process as specified in the Salem Presbytery Dismissal Policy with a letter sent February 23, 2012. Acknowledgement of receipt of the letter was received February 28, 2012. The next step in the dismissal procedure is that the Presbytery, through its Council, shall appoint a “Conciliation Team” and visitation will be offered.
As of May 1, 2012, the Session has not yet been contacted by the Conciliation Team. Information regarding dismissal is also available for checkout in the church library. Please contact session members if you have any questions or concerns.
The Issues At Hand
There are several key issues that are driving this decision. As was addressed in the recent presentation given to church members, while there are certain topics which are media hot-button issues, the simplest explanation is that the PC(USA) has moved away from its Biblical, Reformed foundations in a way that we believe creates a theological gap that is impossible for us, as a congregation, to bridge.
Big Questions
Dismissal is a difficult process, and there are lots of questions about how it affects us as members, how it affects our staff members, and how it affects their benefits. We have a few documents that we hope will address your concerns.
Do you have questions about the dismissal process?
Do you have questions about Salem Presbytery's dismissal policy?
Do you have questions about what will happen to our teaching elders?
Do you have questions about pensions held by the PCUSA?
Where Will We Go?
The Task Force has recommended that Mebane Presbyterian Church affiliate with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, a denomination that is aligned with Mebane Presbyterian's theological beliefs, mission outreach, vision, and calling to fulfill the Great Commission. There are other denomination options that we may also consider.
Other Resources
There are other resources on the web available for you to research this issue, the denominations involved, and the affects it will have on our church.
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church in America
Evangelical Covenant Order of Fellowship Presbyterians
Other sources
The Layman
The PC(USA) 2012: How We Got Here
Eight Leaders Urge Congregations to Rethink Leaving