Statement from Presbyterian World Mission
The National Presbyterian Church of Mexico to terminate its relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
August 20, 2011
Presbyterian World Mission has learned that 116 of the 138 delegates to the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico’s extraordinary General Assembly have voted to terminate the church’s 139-year-old relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This vote was in response to the PC(USA) General Assembly’s action in 2010 regarding ordination standards. The Mexican G.A. further voted not to re-enter a relationship with the PC(USA) until Amendment 10-A is rescinded.
Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, and Hunter Farrell, Director of Presbyterian World Mission, had traveled to Mexico for the General Assembly of this partner church of the PC(USA). “We had a very honest and direct conversation,” said Parsons. “I deeply regret their decision to end a relationship that has brought blessings to both churches.”
“Presbyterians do mission in partnership here and around the world, so we take the voice of the Mexican church very seriously,” said Farrell. “We are grieved by their decision, but want to emphasize that we are grateful for their witness and our history together, and we will listen carefully as we engage in dialogue about where God is leading us in mission.”
World Mission will be in consultation with the leadership of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico, PC(USA) mission co-workers, Presbyterian Border Ministry leaders, and presbytery and synod partnership leaders to discuss next steps in shared mission work.
