Arizona congregation
seeks dismissal from PCUSA
By Edward Terry, The Layman, May 5, 2010
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, one of the largest congregations in the Presbytery of Grand Canyon, has declared its intent to leave the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Founded in 1969 near Scottsdale, Ariz., Desert Hills Presbyterian Church has approximately 545 members.
According to a congregational letter, the more than 500-member congregation spent the past 18 months in discernment on whether Desert Hills is called to go in the direction in which the PCUSA is headed.
Its session has recommended withdrawing from the 2.14-million member denomination with the intent of keeping its congregation, staff and property intact. Rather than affiliating with another denomination, Desert Hills’ session recommends becoming a Reformed independent church.
The recommendation, which was partially based on a random survey of the congregation, was endorsed by the church’s elders and staff.
“Our intent is to keep our church family together and continue our ministries in this place where God has called us,” the letter states. “Hence, we will spend the next several months in conversation with the presbytery to make this a reality.”
Presbytery leadership responded with a letter to its membership, which acknowledged the “respectful and prayerful discussion” with Desert Hills leadership on the decision.
“We will consult with all members of the congregation and afford them an opportunity to be heard,” the presbytery’s letter said. “These consultations may take many different forms and are for the benefit of the presbytery as it remains open to discovering a way for Desert Hills to remain in the PCUSA while considering its request to withdraw from our denomination.”
The session’s letter to the congregation doesn’t outline specifics, other than the PCUSA’s “direction,” on its decision to withdraw. However, the Desert Hills Web site has several areas dedicated to the congregation’s witness and its concerns about the denomination.
Among the issues are previous General Assembly actions on ordination standards, the authority of Holy Scripture, social justice, interfaith relations and the mission of the Church. The Desert Hills Web site offers a summary of its beliefs and a section dedicated to renewing the PCUSA.
The presbytery anticipates a specific recommendation from the Committee on Ministry and the council at the June 5 stated meeting of the presbytery. Desert Hills’ session recommended having a congregational meeting on the issue later this year.
Founded in 1969, Desert Hills Presbyterian Church is located in Carefree, Ariz., just outside of Scottsdale.