By Carla Hinto, News OK:
EDMOND — One of the most prominent churches in the metro area will vote Sunday whether to sever ties with its denomination — a move that would cost more than half a million dollars.
The Rev. Mateen Elass, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Edmond, said his congregation has been waiting for many months to take the historic vote for “gracious dismissal” from the Presbyterian Church (USA) on the grounds of “serious theological differences.”
Elass said church leaders have gone to great lengths to make sure the membership of about 1,400 people is aware of Sunday’s tally.
“It really is the most significant vote this congregation has taken since its inception back in 1891, so we need to have everyone here,” he said.