Since Nov. 1, 2022, congregations displeased with the adoption of Remits ‘B’ and ‘C’ which approved parallel definitions of marriage have had the opportunity to embark on a journey toward Voluntary Withdrawal from The Presbyterian Church in Canada. It’s a time-limited offer which expires May 31.

As the deadline approaches . . . .

I wonder how many evangelical congregations have considered undertaking the Voluntary Withdrawal Procedures. It’s a lengthy and detailed process. The 18-page document is filled with precise instructions describing a 16-step journey. It requires legal and professional accounting advice and careful attention to detail. Its tone is cautionary, almost forbidding.

Having begun the journey . . . .

I wonder how many congregations have been able to demonstrate to their presbytery that they meet the four-point threshold set out in the Appendix 1, section 1A, subsections i-iv of the Procedures, in addition to convincing the court that there is no way they can continue within the PCC, as well as satisfying any concern about their viability outside the PCC.

Having survived the process thus far . . . .

I wonder how many congregations have managed to hold two successful membership votes in which 80 per cent of professing members in attendance and 67 per cent of all members on the professing members roll of the congregation voted in favour – percentages which in reality will be much higher given the unlikely event that the entire membership will be present for any meeting. (In the example provided in the Procedures, 89 per cent of the members attending that  hypothetical congregation meeting had to vote in favour for the process to continue.)

In light of the fact that many presbyteries are struggling to find enough ministers and elders just  to do routine business . . . .

I wonder how many presbyteries have the capacity to establish a special committee to oversee the process, provide an information package to the congregation(s), supervise two votes, make all the necessary notifications and file the required statements and then assist with the “orderly transfer of property.” Even if said court has the resources, do they have the will and energy?

With this in mind . . . .

I wonder how many congregations have simply given up out of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion, resigning themselves to either Stay ‘n Pray or just Walk Away. Or how many have retained legal counsel to fight in a secular court or just ignore the Procedures entirely and fight in church courts in an attempt at natural justice?

At the 2022 General Assembly when the Procedures were adopted, one commissioner told the court that “this is a loving, caring and wise approach.” Another commissioner pointed to the fact that without this process, a congregation would have to pay 100 per cent of the value of its assets, or simply walk away with nothing. “It’s a compromise,” she said. A majority of commissioners appeared to agree.

And yet, on the flipside of this golden coin, we see congregations wondering about the spiritual equity of engaging in a difficult process just to walk away with half of the proceeds from the sale of their net assets – or the right to take out a sizable mortgage and pay all over again for something their ancestors worked hard to build and maintain.

I’m reminded of the saying: “Only the lawyers will win.” Or in this case, a human institution. My wonderings may come across as overly negative, but I am hardly alone in my assessment.

I wonder, in the end, how many congregations will actually depart this way. My hope is for the Commission on Assets of Dissolved or Amalgamated Congregations, the PCC”s Chief Financial Officer and General Assembly Office will provide an interim report for GA 2024 on how many congregations actually made it through the hoops so far.

It’s a question on many minds. Given that we’re dealing with property matters and a great deal of money and legal counsel, there hasn’t been a lot of open discussion. We’re all aware of a few congregations here and there, but it’s discussed in hushed tones.

Despite all that, I invite you to share what’s going on in your congregations and presbyteries. Email me at amcpastor1@gmail.com or call/text 226-229-1695. Tell me what you can share publicly. If you can’t provide identifying information, simply describe the general location.

Let’s tell the story.

A lot of good can come from gathering and sharing. Encouragement, for one. It’s a reminder that we are not alone – something that’s at the core of our mission at Renewal Fellowship. Fellowship and community is another. Misery loves company. It’s therapeutic. And then there’s the basic principle of disclosure of information about the business of doing church in the 21st century. It’s how we understand what works and what doesn’t. And how we can do better.