PCUSA Defrocks Esteemed Evangelical Pastor

[Valin]

Juicy Ecumenism:

Jeff Gissing

Jan. 12 2015

 

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has defrocked a well-respected minister for the role he played in helping a congregation leave the denomination. Rev. Joseph B. Rightmyer—an honorably retired member of Grace Presbytery—had served as a Teaching Elder for more than forty years, serving most of his career as Chief Administrative Officer of Presbyterians for Renewal, an evangelical organization in the PC (USA). He also served churches in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas as an interim pastor.

 

Mr. Rightmyer had served as Interim Pastor and Head of Staff at Highland Park Presbyterian Church since 2013. He was brought up on disciplinary charges in October after the influential Dallas congregation chose to leave the PC (USA) in order to affiliate with ECO: A Covenant Order of Presbyterians.

 

In January 2015, after an investigation and ecclesiastical trial, the Permanent Judicial Commission of Grace Presbytery found him guilty of eight charges and acquitted him on three more. You can read the full Decision here.

 

(Snip)