Where are the PCUSA conservatives? Dispelling the myth of a monolithic denomination

Photo: Gerald Farinas.

I recently saw a question on Reddit that got me doing some research: "Where are the PCUSA conservatives? I feel so out of place in a denomination that seems outwardly progressive."

It’s a valid question, and one that reflects a common perception. When national media covers the Presbyterian Church (USA), the focus often lands on General Assembly decisions regarding social issues, which tend to be seen through a progressive lens. This attention creates an image of a denomination that is a monolithic behemoth of progressivism.

But that image, while reflecting one part of our denominational life, is incomplete and, for many, misleading.

The geographical and theological landscape

The truth is, the Presbyterian Church (USA) is not one thing. It is a vast collection of over 8,000 congregations scattered across the entire country, each with its own history, community context, and unique theological tenor.

While the national body (the General Assembly) has made progressive policy shifts over the last few decades, the beliefs and practices of individual churches often lag behind or outright diverge from the national narrative.

• Many conservative congregations remain: There are hundreds of congregations across the PCUSA that hold to theologically conservative positions. These churches remain committed to our denomination because they value our connectional system, our heritage, and our core Reformed theology. They serve their communities faithfully, often with little fanfare from the national press.

• The power of local church culture: For many members, the local church is the primary expression of their faith life. Their deep relationships and commitment to their immediate worshipping community outweigh any frustration they may have with denominational politics. They believe their mission is local, and they have chosen to stay and influence the church from the inside.

PCUSA electorate shows an unexpected reality

Perhaps the most surprising data point for those who see the PCUSA as uniformly "progressive" is the political reality of its membership.

Surveys on the political leanings of mainline Protestants consistently show that PCUSA members are not simply a mirror of the Democratic party.

Polling has indicated that the political alignment of PCUSA members is quite balanced, with a large segment identifying as or leaning Republican.

While the denomination’s leadership (such as the Stated Clerk) may issue statements on policy that lean progressive, this should not be taken as a reflection of the entire voting body of the church.

In fact, a significant number of people who identify as PCUSA members, including many who attend regularly, voted for Donald Trump.

This reality underscores a critical point: The voting patterns of the Presbyterian electorate are far more diverse than the denominational headquarters might suggest.

Finding your place

If you are a conservative-leaning Presbyterian who feels alone or out of place, please know this: You are not.

You are part of a rich, complex, and diverse tapestry of faith that stretches back generations. The denomination is currently navigating significant cultural currents, but it is doing so with the faithful presence of all its members—conservative, progressive, and moderate alike.

The PCUSA you experience on the ground, in your local sanctuary, is a unique place, and often quite different from the one reported in national headlines. It is a place where we are still called to wrestle with scripture, serve our neighbors, and live out the Great Commandment, together.

Don't let the headlines tell you who you are or where you belong. Look around your local presbytery, visit neighboring congregations, and you will find churches where conservative theology thrives, and where a traditional reading of scripture guides ministry—all within the bounds of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

The conversation in the PCUSA is richer because of the voices of those who hold more traditional views. We are a stronger, more truly reformed church when we remain in dialogue.

What has been your experience? Have you found your local PCUSA congregation to be more (or less) progressive than you expected? Share your thoughts.