Ohio congregation votes to leave PCUSA and affiliate with Evangelical Presbyterian Church
By Patrick Jean
Staff Writer
The Layman Online
Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Saying the report of the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity was the last straw, members of an Ohio congregation have voted almost unanimously to leave the Presbyterian Church (USA) and affiliate with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Middle Sandy Presbyterian Church in Homeworth voted 60-2 on Feb. 25 to join the EPC. The congregation has 132 active members, said Scott Mason, an elder of the church.

Middle Sandy leaders will now negotiate with Muskingum Valley Presbytery about dismissal, Mason said. "We're praying," he said, "that a peaceful agreement can be reached."

The Rev. Dr. Debbie Rundlett, Muskingum Valley executive presbyter, said Middle Sandy's request is being referred to the presbytery's Committee on Ministry so that a pastoral reference team can be formed. "As you can imagine," she said in an e-mail to The Layman Online, "we are seeking to care both for the Middle Sandy congregation and the congregations of presbytery as we respond to their request."

Middle Sandy expects to be dismissed with its property, Mason said. The church's deeds and articles of incorporation are in line, he said, with the congregation owning its property. the rest