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PARNELL v.
SF Presbytery

NAEGELI v.
SF PRESBYTERY

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Welcome to the site documenting progress through the PCUSA Remedial Cases Parnell et al v. San Francisco Presbytery, which is making its way through the judicial process of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Parnell is the follow-up case to Naegeli et al v San Francisco Presbytery, which was decided by the GAPJC in November 2009. Presbyterians are somewhat mystified and confused by the judicial process, because it happens largely behind-the-scenes over a long period of time.  Our purpose here is to de-mystify the process and enlist your prayers for its success in the coming months. You’ll find on this site a history of the situation, documents filed to argue the case, and articles describing some of the features of Presbyterian life.  Under “Church Resources,” you will find articles designed to equip presbyters for effective service in their governing bodies.  If you would like to contribute financially to the effort, click on “Donate” for instructions.  We thank you for your kind consideration. 

MARY HOLDER NAEGELI
The Rev. Mary Holder Naegeli is a minister-at-large member of San Francisco Presbytery and counsel for the complainants in the current remedial case.  A graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, Mary was ordained a Minister of Word and Sacrament in 1987.  After twelve prior years as a lay specialist in a large Presbyterian church, she served as Associate Pastor for Adult Ministries for ten years, then as Senior Pastor for nine years at churches in San Francisco Presbytery.  In 2007, she stepped out of the pastorate to work in earnest on her Doctor of Ministry Degree. She also serves as adjunct faculty teaching Christian Formation & Discipleship and Missional Church/Leadership courses for Fuller in four of its regional sites. 

In San Francisco Presbytery, Mary has served on various committees and task forces in her 22 years as a member.  She just completing her sixth (and last) year on Committee for Preparation for Ministry.  She is an organizer of the evangelical caucus active in the Presbytery, and in that capacity has been equipping presbyters for years in parliamentary procedure, theological debate, and other skills required for effective service in the PCUSA’s decision-making processes.
Mary completed service on the board of directors of The Presbyterian Coalition, a national group dedicated to convening and coordinating efforts of Presbyterians to uphold historic, biblical standards for leadership in the church.  She has also served on the board (and as president) of Presbyterians For Renewal, and attends General Assembly each year to equip and advise commissioners to the Assembly. Though Mary is the primary author of most of the pieces you’ll find on this website, and takes full responsibility for all of them, she has had a lot of help over the years. 

To God be the glory for giving us all the opportunity to stand for biblical and constitutional faithfulness in a time when the church needs clarity.