A letter from a group of pastors and elders in South Louisiana to Synod Executive Judy Fletcher, dated April 8, expressed “a concern regarding our presbytery’s leadership, particularly pertaining to the presbytery’s response to churches seeking title to their properties.” Those same churches sought dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the letter said. It further stated that presbytery leaders gave insufficient consideration to denominational protocols on such matters and gave insufficient consultation with other churches. The signers asked for an administrative commission by synod to review past and pending actions regarding property titles and the dismissal of congregations from the denomination. Even while raising concerns, they expressed gratitude for the extraordinary efforts of presbytery leaders in the wake and stress of the devastating 2005 hurricane season.
Synod Executive Judy Fletcher met with members of the presbytery council of South Louisiana on April 22 and said they concurred that outside consultation would be helpful. The council sent a letter to synod supporting an administrative commission but asking that the power of original jurisdiction not be given. “This is one part of the church body helping another part,” said Fletcher of the synod’s action to appoint an administrative commission. Synod commissioners established an administrative commission charged with determining the “validity of the presbytery’s procedures and decisions (past, pending, and future) regarding various congregations and their properties.” The synod document further stated, “All pending and future decisions regarding property in the Presbytery of South Louisiana shall require the approval of the commission.” The commission shall also listen to expressions of concern regarding the presbytery’s leadership and suggest ways the presbytery can move toward a fuller expression of the ministry of Christ’s Church.
The commission is to deliver a report at the Oct. 24 meeting of synod
