The Southern Presbyterian Church, formally known as the Presbyterian Church in the United States, was established in 1861 after a split from the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. This division was primarily due to differing views on issues such as slavery and the role of the church in society. The Southern Presbyterian Church emphasized traditional Reformed theology and governance by elders. In 1983, the Southern Presbyterian Church merged with the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America to form the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Today, the church continues to uphold its commitment to the teachings of the Bible and the principles of the Reformed faith.