Attorneys say congregations should prepare to protect assets
By John H. Adams
The Layman Online
Tuesday, June 13, 2006

GROVE CITY, Pa. – Two attorneys who are members of the board of directors of the Presbyterian Lay Committee told participants during a conference at Grove City College that they need legal help to ensure that their congregations maintain control of their church property and assets.

Peggy Hedden of Columbus, Ohio, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Lay Committee, and Forrest A. Norman III of Hudson, Ohio, addressed some of the reasons that evangelicals may separate from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and suggested steps that sessions and congregations may want to take to protect their property. They did not give legal advice or reveal confidential information about cases involving disputed church property.

But they did say that congregations needed to be informed about their states' trust and property laws and the possibility of revising their congregations' articles of incorporation and bylaws.

Hedden spoke about the dilemma evangelicals face in a divided denomination. The theme of the Faith and Life Conference, held June 8-11 on the campus of Grove City College, was "Can Two Faiths Embrace One Future?" She talked about a conversation she had with a Covenant Network member that underscored differences between evangelicals and progressives.

the rest at the Layman Online