In a blow to retirees of a major Lutheran publishing house, a federal judge has ruled that Augsburg Fortress’ now-dissolved pension plan was exempt from federal regulations that would have required it to meet minimum funding levels. But the case remains open as pensioners—who say they’re owed as much as $40 million—also received a green... Continue Reading

Our values include A minimalist structure, replacing bureaucracy and most rules with relational networks of common purpose; Property and assets under stewardship of the local Session… Rather than large institutions, joint ventures with specialized ministries as congregations deem helpful.. Editor’s Note: The following letter has been officially released by the signing pastors and was posted... Continue Reading

A foreclosure petition filed in Johnson County (Kansas) District Court last week by Regions Bank asks that the property be foreclosed and if payment is not made that it be sold, with the proceeds applied to the debt. The mega church, which was described at one time as one of the fastest-growing in the country,... Continue Reading

There’s one subject now facing the PCA that, more than any other, needs to be discussed in an open and honest forum. Link to ballot to determine which one is here. You most vote on or before February 12. The 2010 PCA Strategic Plan, passed by the 38th General Assembly (GA), calls for “public forums... Continue Reading

The Presbytery of the Mississippi Valley met for a Stated Meeting February 1st, 2011 at Lakeland Presbyterian Church in Flowood, MS. The meeting was convened at 9:00am being opened with prayer by RE Doyle Moorhead. Ruling Elder Bill May was elected to serve as moderator. The Stated Clerk, TE Roger Collins, gave his report, taking... Continue Reading

This whole situation brings up an interesting conundrum. What if other religious groups did the same thing? In this age of marketing, brand names and search engine optimization, are words such as “Jewish” or “Mormon” or “Catholic” now trademarks? Do religious groups have the right to sue you if you use their name, logo or... Continue Reading

On January 26, 2011, the Cooperative Ministries Committee (CMC) announced that the proposed overtures to BCO 14 appeared not to have the presbyteries’ support and expressed their hope that other alternative approaches would be submitted and studied. On January 2, 2011, the Session of Midway PCA in Powder Springs, GA, approved the overture referenced previously... Continue Reading

The vote of Presbyteries on the BCO 14 amendments as of January 31 is 36-27 against adopting the amendments. For the amendments to be have been approved 2/3 of the 79 Presbyteries (53) had to vote in favor. Now that over 1/3 of the Presbyteries (27) have voted against approving the amendments, they have not... Continue Reading

Hundreds of disillusioned Anglicans were preparing Sunday to defect from the Church of England to the Roman Catholic Church in time for Lent, Sky News reported. It follows a campaign by a former Anglican bishop in protest at its stance on the ordination of women and gay clergy. Father Keith Newton has encouraged Anglicans to... Continue Reading

A strong majority of voting members at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in Carefree, Ariz., has expressed official support for leaving the Presbyterian Church (USA) to join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). In a Jan. 23 congregational meeting, in which the Presbytery of Grand Canyon polled members by written ballot, 84 percent said they support dismissal... Continue Reading