Heartland makes claim on
Gashland (EPC) property
By Edward Terry, The Layman, November 30, 2009
Heartland Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has filed a petition in Clay County (Mo.) Court making its claim to the building and assets of Gashland Presbyterian Church, an Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) congregation. The presbytery also has implied that the matter could be resolved outside the courts.
“To those outside the church dispute, it may appear as a family squabbling over a dinner table,” a news release from Heartland Presbytery states. “The Administrative Commission has attempted for over two years to use church procedures to resolve this issue, with no success. Since we have no opportunity for conversation or mediation, we have taken this step to go to the courts. … The Administrative Commission is open to sitting down with the leadership of the EPC congregation to seek resolution of this dispute.”
The declaratory judgement petition was filed Nov. 24.
Gashland, in its 2007 departure from the 2.14-million member PCUSA, cited “deep theological differences” for its 333-22 vote. At the time of its departure, Gashland had 575 active members.
Gashland’s members have continued their worship and ministry as usual. However, they’ll be doing so now with the possibility that their building and assets could be seized and sold by the presbytery. The proceeds would be used to fund new church development, according to the news release, and an earlier action by the presbytery planned proceeds for the sale to pay for legal fees.
In September 2009, the presbytery approved action dissolving the congregation and setting up the civil court fight for the property. At that time, Gashland Elder Philip Josephson said the congregation has nothing new to add to its previous statements on the issue.
According to Gashland’s statement following the September action by Heartland, the congregation “will vigorously defend itself, its rights and its members. At the same time, GPC will continue pursuing the Great Commission and fulfilling its ministries.”
A member of the New Wineskins Transitional Presbytery of the EPC since 2008, Gashland has maintained that it has no relationship with PCUSA and that Heartland has no jurisdiction over the congregation, according to previously-released statements from the church. Heartland, in its petition for declaratory judgement, disagrees.
“The petition claims that this congregation is no longer a congregation of the PCUSA and therefore has no right to the use of this building and its assets,” the news release states. “The constitution of the PCUSA clearly states who has final authority and responsibility for local property. The polity of the Presbyterian Church affirms that many generations, faithful members of a church, help build and support the life and ministry of a local congregation. We recognize the good works of previous members and their commitment to Christ through the PCUSA. In exercising this oversight, we honor the memory and commitment of those who have worshipped and served Christ through the generations.”