Ready to join the EPC?

This morning, I went to that workshop called "Thinking about joining the EPC?" I wanted a chance to hear and see what was going on with those who are actively headed another direction. And I wanted to attend as one not branded as an "EP" and kept segregated from other attendees. The room was packed, and I was astounded at the preponderance of anglo males in the room. No more than 10% of those in the room were women or people of color. I wonder what's up with that.

The leaders were the pastor of First Prez in Orlando, FL, who have already begun a process of "gracious separation" from the PCUSA, and the pastor of Bel Air Prez in Los Angeles, whose journey has taken him through the EPC and back into the PCUSA. Honestly - and I checked this perception with another colleague who was there - the conversation was far less about the EPC - the denomination split off from the PCUSA in the 80s called the Evangelical Presbyterian Church - and far more about the "NRB" - the New Reformed Body being constructed by those in the Presbyterian Fellowship.

A number of questions were asked about the status of women's ordination within the EPC - as in, if we transfer, will our women elders still be considered ordained, and can our women pastors come with us? I learned that 8 of the 11 EPC presbyteries will permit ordained women, and if your geographical presbytery will not, your church may join the next geographically contiguous presbytery that will welcome them.

Some talked about the process for becoming an EPC congregation. At one time, all a church had to do was to fax over some papers, and it was done. Now a process has been developed within the EPC for receiving churches, and there is now as much a question of "do we want you" as there is "do you want us." I understand that not only pastors but elders are quizzed regarding the Westminster Confession, one's adherence to it, and any scruples one might declare against it. Those who cannot adhere firmly to it are encouraged to join another denomination.

There is also a fear among some in the EPC that too many PCUSA congregations will join them and - how shall I say this - muddy the waters; i.e., require concessions of the EPC which they are not ready to make.

The editor of the Presbyterian Layman, Carmen Fowler, explained that the EPC has a "fast track process" which will admit pastors or churches who are in danger in their current settings, all in about two weeks. She offered to provide the phone number of the EPC's Stated Clerk to any pastors or churches which felt so threatened.

In the course of this meeting, we also learned from one involved with the Fellowship that "we will be ready to receive congregations into a new denomination at our meeting in January."

Holy mackerel! What is up with the level of fear? What is going on that would cause pastors or congregations to dive out of one denomination and into another? Why can't we just talk honestly with each other about things which are so important to us? It just makes me sad.