As opposition to recent changes in the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s ordination standards continues to become more vocal in several congregations, an Ohio church has decided to disaffiliate from the denomination.

On May 15, Westminster Community Church in Canton, Ohio voted 55-11 to leave the PCUSA and to seek departure from the Muskingum Valley Presbytery.

“We have not taken this action in haste nor in anger or hostility, but from a deep and abiding commitment to God’s Holy Word, the doctrines of the orthodox Christian faith, the historical standards of the larger body of church of which we are but a small part,” stated the session in a letter to the presbytery.

The letter further cited the recent changes ratified in Amendment 10A, which will allow for the ordination of non-celibate single heterosexuals, those who commit adultery, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals to positions as deacons, elders and ministers in PCUSA churches. The changes to the Book of Order will take effect on July 10.

According to Westminster’s senior pastor, the Rev. Bill Pawson, the split was also influenced by upcoming votes on the denomination’s New Form of Government (nFOG) measure as well as the possible adoption of the Belhar Confession.

The 122-member congregation had previously been assessed a per capita allocation of around $4,000, according to Pawson. Due to financial hardships, the church has not contributed for the last 5 years.

“Each year we send a statement and receive from them a respectful letter, informing us that they are not paying because they don’t have the financial resources and not as a form of protest,” said Marty Radcliff, stated clerk of Muskingum Valley Presbytery, adding the presbytery wants to work with Westminster and will form an administrative commission to facilitate the process.

“If that discernment leads to disaffiliation, we will make the arrangements to bless and release them. The work of building the kingdom of God is more important than institutional survival and we choose not to waste scarce resources on protracted legal battles,” he added.

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