Memphis Presbyterian Congregation to Change Denominations

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The congregation of a Memphis-area Presbyterian Church has voted to affiliate with a more conservative denomination.

The vote on Sunday by members of Advent Presbyterian Church was 482-22 to ask for dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (USA), which is based in Louisville, Ky. The members seek to affiliate with the smaller Evangelical Presbyterian Church, according to The Commercial Appeal. The Mid-South Presbytery is expected to approve Advent's request next month.

Two other area churches are considering the same move. Woodland United Presbyterian Church in Memphis has scheduled a May 1 vote by the congregation and the governing body of Grace Presbyterian in Bartlett is set to discuss it April 19.

The moves are broadly seen as realignment within mainline Protestant denominations over issues including ordination of gay clergy, interpretation of scripture and church governance.

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Information from: The Commercial Appeal, http://www.commercialappeal.com