FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Leaders of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins are seeking dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which last year struck down a barrier to ordaining gay leaders.
The Coloradoan reports leaders of the Fort Collins church are citing "irreconcilable spiritual differences" in recommending that it join the Fellowship of Presbyterians and seek dismissal from its denomination.
The Fort Collins congregation of about 1,000 would have to take an advisory vote on leaving, and Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Plains and Peaks Dan Saperstein must ultimately approve whether the dismissal occurs. A final decision could come within a year.
Church member Dale Preston says he plans to oppose the move. He says he and others believe the Presbyterian church has a history of being respectful of diverse opinions.