CHICAGO, IL (May 1, 2012) – A newly formed Presbyterian denomination has changed its name after the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) expressed concern over the original choice.
John Ortberg, popular author and pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in California, announced the formation of the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO) on January 12. It is mostly comprised of churches that originally were part of the Presbyterian Church USA.
Soon after the announcement, the ECC requested a change noting the similarity of the names could cause confusion. Effective April 9, the new Presbyterian organization changed its name to Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.
“Our subsequent conversations with the ECC have been nothing but beautiful and respectful,” states a press release noting the change. “We have looked at our core values and tried to live into our relationships as Christian brothers and sisters with mutual respect and affirmation of ministry. Because we value this relationship and want to honor their concerns, we have agreed to modify our name slightly. We will keep the acronym ECO, but we will change the descriptors.
