Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church Leaves the PCA
After a long history of dissent regarding various theological issues, including the Federal Vision controversy, Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church of Monroe, La., and its pastor, Rev. Steve Wilkins, have withdrawn from the PCA and are now affiliated with the Confederation of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC).
Further, the Louisiana Presbytery—which has overseen Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church up to this point—has been indicted by the General Assembly’s Standing Judicial Commission (SJC) in this matter.
“This is most unusual,” said Dr. Roy Taylor, stated clerk of the PCA. “It’s the only time in the history of the PCA that a presbytery has been indicted for trial. And it’s also a rare event in American Presbyterianism as a whole.”
In January of 2008, the SJC instituted a process against Louisiana Presbytery regarding their handling of Steve Wilkins’ theological views, particularly those pertaining to Federal Vision. The charges against the presbytery were 1) not following proper procedure, and 2) not finding strong probability of guilt that Wilkins’ views were erroneous.
Further, the Louisiana Presbytery—which has overseen Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church up to this point—has been indicted by the General Assembly’s Standing Judicial Commission (SJC) in this matter.
“This is most unusual,” said Dr. Roy Taylor, stated clerk of the PCA. “It’s the only time in the history of the PCA that a presbytery has been indicted for trial. And it’s also a rare event in American Presbyterianism as a whole.”
In January of 2008, the SJC instituted a process against Louisiana Presbytery regarding their handling of Steve Wilkins’ theological views, particularly those pertaining to Federal Vision. The charges against the presbytery were 1) not following proper procedure, and 2) not finding strong probability of guilt that Wilkins’ views were erroneous.
The Louisiana Presbytery responded with pleas of “not guilty” to the first charge, and “guilty” to the second charge. And the presbytery asked the SJC to conduct the trial of Steve Wilkins rather than conducting it themselves.
Roughly a week later, Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church and Steve Wilkins withdrew from the PCA, and the stated clerk of the Louisiana Presbytery resigned.
“The next step is for the SJC to meet on March 6 to deal with these latest developments,” said Taylor. “They must decide what to do with the presbytery’s pleas to the two charges and what actions to take in light of Teaching Elder Wilkins’ transfer.”
On the Auburn Avenue Web site, Wilkins has posted an open letter detailing his decision to leave the PCA. “I continue to maintain that the charges of heresy made by a few against me are completely and utterly unjustified.” He continues, “I regret anything that I have done through a lack of wisdom or bad judgment that contributed to the disintegration of trust between myself and the PCA. We are all very thankful for the many years we have enjoyed in communion with the PCA and look forward to a continuing relationship with many brothers who remain in it.”
To read more of Steve Wilkins’ letter, visit www.auburnavenue.org.
Roughly a week later, Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church and Steve Wilkins withdrew from the PCA, and the stated clerk of the Louisiana Presbytery resigned.
“The next step is for the SJC to meet on March 6 to deal with these latest developments,” said Taylor. “They must decide what to do with the presbytery’s pleas to the two charges and what actions to take in light of Teaching Elder Wilkins’ transfer.”
On the Auburn Avenue Web site, Wilkins has posted an open letter detailing his decision to leave the PCA. “I continue to maintain that the charges of heresy made by a few against me are completely and utterly unjustified.” He continues, “I regret anything that I have done through a lack of wisdom or bad judgment that contributed to the disintegration of trust between myself and the PCA. We are all very thankful for the many years we have enjoyed in communion with the PCA and look forward to a continuing relationship with many brothers who remain in it.”
To read more of Steve Wilkins’ letter, visit www.auburnavenue.org.
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