Leaders of N.Y. congregation say they’ll violate constitution
The Layman Online, March 7, 2001
The pastors and ruling elders of the Presbyterian Church of Mt. Kisco, N.Y., have declared that they “have not [complied] and cannot comply” with the constitutional ordination standard of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
In a letter sent to other congregations Feb. 15, the Mt. Kisco leaders said the right to exercise freedom of conscience to take exception to the denomination’s constitution is “bestowed by God as a certain and inalienable right of creation.”
Presbyterian polity affirms freedom of conscience, but says conscience must be captive to the Word of God.
The Mt. Kisco statement is similar to a resolution adopted in 1999 by Christ Church of Burlington, Vt., which stated the session’s intention to ignore the ordination standard, G-6.0106b in the Book of Order.
In July 2000, the highest court in the denomination ordered the Presbytery of Northern New England to take steps – and warn of disciplinary action if necessary – in response to the Christ Church resolution.
According to congregational data reported by the Presbyterian Church (USA), Mt. Kisco has a declining membership (from 1,458 in 1991 to 1,132 in 1999). The congregation reported that attendance averaged 205 at worship services in 1998.
The Mt. Kisco letter is signed by the “pastors and ruling elders” without listing their names. The congregation’s web site lists the pastors as: Jack Silvey Miller, senior minister; Douglas S. Phillips, associate minister; Delia W. Tittle, parish assistant; and Kathleen M. Garner, minister of Christian education and family life.