With sensitivities heightened by the recent regaining of their deeds, the churches asked for wording that would prevent future changes in the by-Laws claiming church property. When the ECNA refused, the Pennsylvania churches requested withdrawal without contest for property, which the ECNA reluctantly granted. Anticipating departure, the Pennsylvania churches formed the Association of Evangelical Churches in 1981, and stated in their first By-Law that each church shall hold full title to its property.
The churches, sensitive to recent changes in their property rights, requested wording that would prevent future alterations to the bylaws governing church property. When the ECNA refused, the Pennsylvania churches sought a withdrawal of their properties without contest, which the ECNA reluctantly granted. Anticipating the departure, the Pennsylvania churches formed the Association of Evangelical Churches in 1981, and included in their first By-Law that each church would hold full ownership of its property.