PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH USA (PCUSA)
The PCUSA should be avoided because:
- Rejected biblical inerrancy as denominational standard
- Ordains openly LGBTQ clergy at all levels
- Performs and blesses same-sex marriages
- Abandoned Westminster Confession's teaching on many issues
- Uses virtue signaling language throughout materials
- Significant membership loss as conservatives depart
- Per "How to Find a Courageous Church": This is an apostate denomination
DENOMINATION BACKGROUND
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was formed in 1983 through the merger of the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. (northern) and the Presbyterian Church in the United States (southern). Both predecessor bodies had already experienced significant liberal theological drift.
The denomination rejected biblical inerrancy in favor of "the authority of Scripture" interpreted through modern critical methods. The "Confessing Church Movement" arose in the 1990s to resist liberal drift but was ultimately unsuccessful.
Progressive changes accelerated in the 2010s with approval of same-sex marriage (2015) and full LGBTQ ordination. Many conservative churches departed to join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) or ECO.
The PCUSA has experienced continuous doctrinal decline:
- 1967: Adopted new confession questioning biblical inerrancy
- 1970s-80s: Growing acceptance of theological diversity on core issues
- 1997: Rejected amendment requiring celibacy for unmarried officers
- 2010: Approved ordination of non-celibate LGBTQ persons
- 2014: Changed definition of marriage to include same-sex couples
- 2015: Began performing same-sex marriages
- Present: Fully LGBTQ affirming, uses progressive theological language
The book "How to Find a Courageous Church" calls PCUSA "Lesbyterians" due to complete embrace of LGBTQ ideology.
Historical orthodox leaders (before liberal drift):
- J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937): Left to found Westminster Seminary and OPC
Leaders of liberal decline:
- Eugene Carson Blake: Pushed church union, social activism over doctrine
- John Buchanan: Editor of The Christian Century, progressive voice
- Gradye Parsons: Stated Clerk during same-sex marriage adoption
Note: These churches have departed from orthodox Christianity:
- Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church (New York, NY)
- Fourth Presbyterian Church (Chicago, IL)
- National Presbyterian Church (Washington, DC)
Many faithful PCUSA churches have departed for EPC, ECO, or PCA.
