Kirk Of The Hills Congregation Loses Church

By Chris Wright, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A Green Country congregation loses its church. After splitting from the Presbyterian Church two years ago, Kirk of the Hills has lost its two-year legal battle with the denomination.

Kirk of the Hills left the Presbyterian Church after saying the denomination's leadership had departed from its "historical beliefs." But, the denomination technically owns the property and Tuesday a judge gave everyone there 20 days to get off of it.

The vote in 2006 wasn't even close. An overwhelming 96% of the 2,400 member congregation wanted to leave the Presbyterian Church of the USA.

Its leaders had cited theological differences, including the possible ordaining of homosexuals and sanctioning of same-sex marriages.

Two years later, that vote may have cost Kirk of the Hills its Church.

"I don't regret any of our decisions. They have been right. There's no question in our minds we've done the right things every step along the way," said Pastor Tom Gray, Kirk of the Hills.

Both Kirk of the Hills pastors believe they had to go ahead with the split. And even if they do lose their appeal, they say their congregation will remain intact.

"You just think that may not happen in the future and you do get emotionally attached to a place. But, we're reminded that church is not really about a building, it's about people."

But the people who have called Kirk of the Hills home say it will be difficult to let those memories go.

"We baptized our kids here. We've had marriages, funerals, those memories are going to be hard," said Tim Trump, Kirk of the Hills Trustee.

The victors in the case issued a statement Tuesday: "The Court affirmed the concept that individuals may leave the church, but they cannot take the church property with them... At the same time, there is a great sadness over this division within the Body of Christ."

Although they face the prospect of empty pews, representatives of Kirk of the Hills say they will find a way to overcome that sadness.

"It's a tragedy for us if we lose this sanctuary and this property, but our church is intact. Every person who was in it, is in it," said Gray.

If the appeal is lost, Kirk of the Hills representatives say they plan on holding temporary services, but it is not sure where yet.

The Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery says it tried to pursue alternatives to this legal battle, but claims its efforts were rejected by the congregation's leadership.

Related Story:

09/09/2008 Church Loses Legal Battle, May Lose Property