CORINTH, Miss. (AP) - First Presbyterian Church in Corinth is taking first steps to separate from the mainline Presbyterian Church (USA).
In June, a majority of the local congregation took issue with decisions made at the annual Presbyterian Church (USA) meeting that they believe show a disregard for biblical authority.
In July, seven families left the church and started a congregation in the Presbyterian Church in America, a conservative evangelical denomination still in the Presbyterian stream.
Since then, many members in that Presbyterian Church (USA) church have wrestled with staying in a denomination they think has shifted in substantial ways.
First Presbyterian is not alone in its decision, especially in the South where more conservative members have disagreed with the more liberal denominational leadership.
Some other Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations in Mississippi are reportedly considering severing denominational ties.
Similar discord has arisen in the Episcopal Church and, currently to a lesser extent, the United Methodist and Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. No Mississippi congregations in those denominations have sought to sever their national ties, however.
On Nov. 28, the Corinth church's 17-member session, or body of elders, recommended to start the process of disconnecting with the PCUSA.
Doctor Greg Goodwiller _ head of the Presbytery of St. Andrew, the North Mississippi regional governing authority for the denomination _ says the Presbyterian Church (USA) does not want the Corinth church to leave. He says talks are continuing.
First Presbyterian has 470 members.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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