ECO (denomination)
| ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians | |
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| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Reformed Evangelical |
| Polity | Presbyterian |
| Leader | Rev. Dana Allin |
| Associations | World Communion of Reformed Churches (provisional member) |
| Headquarters | Santa Barbara, California |
| Origin | 2012 |
| Separated from | Presbyterian Church (USA) |
| Congregations | 336 |
| Members | 60,000+ |
| Official website | eco-pres |
ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians is an evangelical Presbyterian denomination in the United States. As a Presbyterian church, ECO adheres to Reformed theology and Presbyterian polity. It was established in 2012 by former congregations and members of the Presbyterian Church (USA), abbreviated PC(USA). Dissatisfaction with the PC(USA) spiked in 2011 when it decided to allow gay and lesbian clergy to serve in the denomination. This action led to the founding of ECO. As of April 3, 2017, ECO has 336 congregations and more congregations are expected to move to this denomination primarily from PC(USA).
"ECO" is not an acronym but is part of the denomination's full name according to the denomination. The name represents ECO's three-fold commitment to make disciples of Jesus Christ (Evangelical), connect leaders through accountable relationships and encourage collaboration (Covenant), and commit to a shared way of life together (Order). The name "ECO" also speaks to the commitment to "strengthen the 'ecosystems' of local churches" by providing the environment and resources to produce healthy churches.
Plans for establishing what would become ECO were initiated in January 2012 by the Fellowship of Presbyterians (now The Fellowship Community), an umbrella organization of theologically conservative Presbyterians in the Presbyterian Church (USA). ECO was conceived of as an alternative to the Presbyterian Church (USA), which theologically conservative Presbyterians considered too liberal. In particular, the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s decision to lift its ban on non-celibate gay and lesbian clergy in 2011 led a number of congregations to search for an alternative Presbyterian denomination. While other conservative Presbyterian churches in the United States existed, most of these, with the exception of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, did not permit female clergy. According to denominational website, ECO has 336 congregations(as of April 2017).
The beliefs of ECO are expressed in a statement of Essential Tenets. The Essential Tenets affirm that the Old and New Testaments are infallible and authoritative, containing everything necessary for faith and life. In common with other Christians, ECO believes in the doctrine of the Trinity and the Incarnation—the "two central Christian mysteries"—and that the only hope of salvation and adoption as children of God is God's grace in Jesus Christ. Reflecting its Reformed heritage, ECO believes that, as a consequence of the Fall of Man, humans lost free will and are incapable of turning towards God. Salvation is only made possible by the irresistible grace of God, who chose the elect before the world was created.
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