By Michael Gryboski
A Texas congregation that was once the largest Presbyterian Church (USA) member church in the Lone Star State may be one step closer to securing its property.
Highland Park Presbyterian Church of Dallas, a congregation with approximately 4,000 members, will hold a meeting with the PC (USA) regional body it was formerly under. Representatives from Highland Park Presbyterian and Grace Presbytery plan to meet on Feb. 21.
“Out of respect for the confidentiality that is crucial for a successful mediation process, there are not many details that we can comment on at this time,” Zack House, communications director for Highland Park Presbyterian, told The Christian Post.
House did however direct CP to a press release available on the church’s website. A “Time of Prayer” is scheduled for next Wednesday at Highland Park Presbyterian.
“As part of the ongoing litigation concerning the HPPC property, Highland Park Presbyterian Church has agreed to engage in voluntary mediation with Grace Presbytery later this month to attempt to reach a final resolution to the legal proceedings,” reads the statement. “There will be an open Time of Prayer in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, February 19, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm to pray for wisdom and guidance for all parties involved in this process.”
Last October the congregation at Highland Park Presbyterian voted to terminate its voluntary affiliation with PC (USA) due to the mainline denomination’s increasingly liberal theology.
Related articles
Largest Presbyterian church in Texas sees hope in new conservative affiliation
1 Comment. Leave new
Hard to interpret this as anything other than a monetary settlement being negotiated. I’m disappointed, because HPPC was in a position to possibly destroy the trust clause in Texas. If they make a payoff to Grace, it means other congregations that would like to leave will continue to be shackled by the trust clause.