A Word from Tim Downs

Dear Friends,

"Great Vitality"

Many are aware that the Southeast Conference has been engaged in litigation with a small congregation of 20 members in the Atlanta area by the name of Center Congregational Church for about two years.  While the Board of Directors of the Conference has been regularly updated on the progress of this case, I have not communicated widely about this matter while it was still in litigation.

In April the matter came before a Superior Court judge in Fulton County, who issued a summary judgment that ruled against the interests of the Southeast Conference. This week, the Board of Directors decided not to appeal the judgment.  I remain convinced of the merits of our case, and do not regret that we sought a measure of justice in this matter. Over the course of this case there has been an unfavorable article in the Wall Street Journal as well as activity on the internet, both instigated by the congregation and their supporters.  Much of this activity generated more heat than light.

            In sum this case had to do with a trust that was established in the late 19^th century by a woman named Harriet Cox, who gave land to this congregation and stipulated that it was to be used for the benefit of “the Congregational Denomination”. In 2006 Center Church left the United Church of Christ in disagreement with actions of General Synod XXV. They seemed not to understand that the General Synod does not “speak for the denomination” but “to the denomination”. Further the UCC respects the right each church in matters of faith and witness.  Our intent was to ask the trustees to respect the wishes of Harriet Cox, namely for the church to remain committed to the “Congregational Denomination” that is the United Church of Christ as the established successor of the first congregational denomination, the National Council of Congregational Churches. The pastor who led them out was formerly Methodist.

From the late 1890’s until 2006 the church was affiliated with the United Church of Christ and its predecessor denominations without break.  It was served by ministers who were from our tradition.  There have been numerous cases over the last 60 years across the United States that have reaffirmed the line of succession from the National Council of Congregational Churches leading to the United Church of Christ.  These cases appeared to be not regarded by the court.  There were other aspects of law that appeared to be overlooked as well.    I found that in the judgment itself and in the statements of the opposing attorney, there were many inaccuracies of fact.  Further I believe that we were very ably represented by counsel throughout.   Recogniz-ing that all of this could be view as sour grapes on the part of a bad loser, I regret the outcome but do not regret our action based on principle.  Simply put, we ran out of money, and were not being funded by a benefactor.

This is a season of great vitality on the part of our conference; this is a vitality that could be overshadowed by dwelling on this matter.  As I write we are working with three new church starts, with potential for several others.  We have another three strong, vital congregations seeking affiliation with the UCC with the prospects for others to follow, many of them seeking us out for exactly the reasons that Center Congregational Church determined they could not remain in fellowship with us. We will move forward building on our strengths and the rich heritage with which God has richly blessed us. 

Peace,

Tim Downs

Timothy C. Downs, Conference Minister