In the midst of the ensuing nastiness, a 15-member mediation team was formed (six chosen by the presbytery’s committee on ministry, six chosen by the Fremont session, and three chosen by Fremont members who wish to remain in the PCUSA). An attorney described by Wilkins as “experienced in faith-based mediation” facilitated the group’s recommendation that was adopted by the Fremont congregation and the presbytery.

Fremont Presbyterian Church, one of Sacramento Presbytery’s largest congregations, is free to leave the PCUSA with its property… for a price.

The Rev. Jay Wilkins, Sacramento’s Transitional Presbyter, called the agreement which was approved by the presbytery on November 10 “creative” and “faithful.” Wilkins lauded the agreement as a model “which shows the church a different way of resolving a conflicted situation.”

Fremont’s session described the deal is less effusive terms. In a letter to the congregation recommending approval it said, “At first glance, the agreement probably provides everyone with something to like and something to question …” The session also provided the congregation a thorough FAQ document to help them understand the process and particulars.

Fremont will pay the presbytery $500,000 ($50,000 annually for ten years) or a reduced price of $350,000 if Fremont is willing to pay in full within six months. Additionally, Fremont will allow the handful of its members who wish to be a PCUSA congregation (described by the presbytery as “a group of 8 or more”) rent free space in Fremont’s chapel, a welcome that Fremont has often extended to other Christian groups in the Sacramento area.

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