Main Index Table of Contents Article 1-50 Article 51-94 Article 95 -105 Article 106-130  Appendix I Appendix II Appendix III Appendix IV Appendix V Appendix VI Appendix VII Appendix VIII

MORNING SESSION - TUESDAY, MAY 9, 1995

The following officers are elected:

Chairman:..................Rev. J. DeGelder
Vice- chairman: ........Rev. R. Aasman
First Clerk::................Rev. D.G.J. Agema
Second Clerk:...........Rev. J. Visscher
 

On behalf of the convening church, Rev. M. VanderWel declares General Synod 1995 constituted. He invites the officers to take their seats. The chairman, Rev. J. DeGelder, thanks Synod for the confidence placed in the officers. He thanks Rev. M. VanderWel for the opening words and the church at Abbotsford for the preparation of General Synod 1995. He also welcomes the fraternal delegates from the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, Rev. A. DeJager and Rev. H. VanVeen.

Synod adopts the following arrangements:
I. The final date for incoming material for Synod is set for Tuesday, May 9, 1995 at
6:00 pm. PST.

II.The time schedule will be:
Monday to Friday

9:00 am. - 12:00 pm.
2:00 pm. - 5:00 pm.
7:00 pm. - 9:00 pm.

Ill. Synod shall begin and close each day with prayer and thanksgiving in plenary
sessions.

IV. Press Release will not be published until after Synod has been closed.

V. Advisory committees shall provide each delegate with a copy of their report,
plus three copies for the first clerk, before it is dealt with in plenary sessions.

VI. Copies of documents are available only to members of Synod, and fraternal delegates.

VII. For all procedures the Guidelines as adopted by the General Synod of Cloverdale 1983, Acts, Article 45, will apply.

It is decided to seat Rev. M. VanderWel as an advisor to Synod.

The chairman confirms that those who have expenses related to travelling to Synod may submit them at any time to sr. R. VanOene. Mileage is set at twenty-five cents per kilometre.

The chairman reads letters of greeting from the Free Reformed Churches in Australia, the Reformed Church of the United States and the Free Reformed Churches in South Africa. These letters are received with thankfulness.

Since so much new material for the agenda arrived on this day, it is decided to adjourn until the next morning, 9:00 am. to give the brothers time to acquaint themselves with this material.
The chairman asks that Psalm 67: 1, 2 be sung and leads in prayer.

The Acts, Articles 1 - 6 are read and adopted.

The following agenda is adopted:
I. Opening on behalf of the convening church at Abbotsford at 9:00 am.
II. Examination of Credentials
Ill. Election of the Officers
IV. Constitution of General Synod
V. Information from the Convening Church
IV. Adoption of the Agenda
VII. Arrangement of Time Schedule and Procedures
VIII. Incoming Mail

A. Protests and Appeals

1. Appeal from the church at Winnipeg re: General Synod Burlington 1986, Art. 85.
a. Supplement to A. 1.
2. Appeal from the church at Fergus re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 131.
3. Appeal from the church at Burlington-East re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 131.
4. Appeal from the church at Cloverdale re: Regional Synod West 1993, Art. 11.
5. Appeal from the church at Winnipeg re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 127.
6. Letter from the church at Coaldale re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 72.
7. Appeal from the church at Orangeville re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Ad. 72,111, 128.
8. Appeal from the church at Chatsworth re: Regional Synod East 1994, Art. 8.
9. Appeal from the church at Denver re: Regional Synod West 1994, Art. 1 lb.
10. Appeal from the church at Taber re: Regional Synod West 1993, Art. 11
11. Appeal from the church at Carman re: Regional Synod West 1993.
12. Overture from the church at Toronto re: Art. 32 C.O.
13. Letter from the church at Ottawa re: Chatsworth's appeal of Regional Synod East 1994, Art. 8.
14. Appeal from br. H. van den Hoven re: Regional Synod West 1993, Art. 11.
15. Letter from the church at Fergus re: Appeal from the church at Orangeville (see A. 7 above).
16. Appeal from Mr. G. Kruyswijk re: Regional Synod East 1994, Art. 10.
17. Appeal from br. L. VanZandwyk re: Previous Appeals.
18. Overture from the church at London re: Rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship.
19. Letter from sr. R. Lammers, reaction to item A. 9.
20. Appeal from Rev. P. Kingma and br. T. Kingma re: Ecclesiastical Contact ICRC
21. Appeal from the church at Blue Bell re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Ad. 72, 111, 128; General Synod Coaldale 1977, Art. 91.
22. Appeal from the church at Barrhead re: Regional Synod West 1993, Art. 11.

1. Report of the Committee on Bible Translations (CBT)
a. Supplement to Report.
2. Letter from br. R. Duker and br. W. Bredenhof re: Report CBT.
3. Letter from the church at Port Kells re: Report CBT
4. Letter from the church at Chilliwack re: Report CBT
5. Letter from the church at Vernon re: Report CBT.
6. Letter from the church at Guelph re: Report CBT.
7. Letter from the church at Edmonton (Providence) re: Report CBT
8. Letter from the church at Neerlandia re: Report CBT
9. Letter from br. B. Degier re: Report CBT
10. Letter from the church at Burlington-East re: Report CBT.
11. Letter from the church at Edmonton (Immanuel) re: Report CBT.
12. Letter from Rev. H. M. VanEssen re: Report CBT.
13. Letter from Rev. P. Kingma and br. T. Kingma re: Report CBT.
14. Letter from the church at Houston re: Report CBT.
15. Letter from the church at Chatsworth re: Report CBT
16. Letter from the church at Langley re: Report CBT.
17. Letter from br. and sr. L. Terpsma re. Report CBT.
 

1. Report of Deputies for the Promotion of Ecclesiastical Unity (DPEU). a. Supplement to Report.
2. Overture from Classis Ontario North Dec. 1994 re: Contact with the Eglise Reformee du Quebec.
3. Report from the Committee on Relations with Churches Abroad (CRCA).
4. Letter from the church at Ottawa re: additional information regarding the Eglise Reformee du Quebec.
5. Report from the Committee for Contact with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (CCOPC).
6. Appeal from the church at Carman re: Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the OPC.
7. Overture from the church at Surrey re: Relationship with the OPC.
8. Overture from the church at Carman re: Appointments to Synodical Committees.
9. Appeal from the church at Coaldale re: Regional Synod West 1993, Art. II.
10. Appeal from the church at Grand Rapids re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 128. 11. Appeal from the church at Grand Rapids re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. III.
12. Appeal from the church at Grand Rapids re: General Synod Coaldale 1977, Art. 91.
13. Overture from the church at Grand Rapids re: Contact with OPC.
14. Overture from the church at Grand Rapids re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 72.
15. Appeal from the church at Watford re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 72.
16. Letter from the church at Watford re: Report DPEU.
17. Letter from the church at Port Kells re: Report CCOPC.
18. Appeal from br. H. van den Hoven re: General Synod 1992, Art. 72.
19. Overture from the church at Langley re: contact with the Free Reformed Churches of North America.
20. Letter from the church at Aldergrove re: contact with the Free Reformed Churches of North America.
21. Letter from the church at Chilliwack re: Report CCOPC.
22. Letter from the church at Chilliwack re: Report DPEU.
23. Appeal from br. J. Hoogerdijk re: Regional Synod West 1993, Art. 11, 12.
24. Letter from the church at Guelph re: Report CRCA.
25. Letter from the church at Carman re: Report CCOPC.
26. Letter from the church at Chatsworth re: Report DPEU.
27. Appeal from the church at London re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 72.
28. Letter from the church at Neerlandia re: Report DPEU.
29. Letter from the church at Neerlandia re: Report CCOPC.
30. Letter from W. De Haan re: Relationship with the OPC.
31. Letter from W. De Haan re: Report DPEU.
32. Appeal from the church at Attercliffe re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 72.
33. Letter from the church at Elora re: Report DPEU.
34. Letter from the church at Burlington-East re: Proposal by Classis Ontario North Dec. 1994 (see item C2 above).
35. Letter from the church at Burlington-East re: Report CRCA.
36. Letter from the church at Burlington-East re: Report DPEU.
37. Letter from the church at Burlington-East re: Report CCOPC,
38. Letter from the church at Lincoln re: Report DPEU.
39. Appeal from the church at Lincoln re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 72.
40. Letter from the church at Houston re: Report CRCA.
41. Letter from the church at Houston re: Report CCOPC.
42. Letter from the church at Houston re: Report DPEU.
43. Letter from Rev. B.R. Hofford re: Report DPEU.
44. Letter from the church at Winnipeg re: Report CCOPC.
45. Letter from the church at Smithville re: Relationship with the OPC.
46. Letter from Chatsworth re: Overture by Classis Ontario North Dec.1994 (see item C. 2 above).
47. Appeals from the church at Brampton re: Report CCOPC and Report DPEU.
48. Appeal from br. and sr. B. Jansen re: General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 72.
49. Letter from the church at Attercliffe re: Report DPEU.

1. Report of the Standing Committee for the Publication of the Book of Praise (PBOP). 2. Overture from the church at Burlington-East re: General Synod 1983, Art. 174 and General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 64.
3. Letter from br. M. Kampen re: appointment to Committee.
4. Letter from the church at Surrey re: Report PBOP.
5. Letter from the church at Aldergrove re: Report PBOP.
6. Letter from the church at London re; Report PBOP.
7. Letter from the church at Lynden re: Report PBOP.
8. Letter from the church at Langley re: Report PBOP.
9. Letter from the church at Grand Valley re: Report PBOP.
10. Letter from the church at Fergus re: Report PBOP.
11. Letter from the church at Chilliwack re: Report PBOP.
12. Letter from br. M.M. De Groot re: Hy.1A.
13. Letter from the church at Guelph re: Report PBOP.
14. Letter from John Calvin School, Yarrow re: Hymn 46:2.
15. Letter from the church at Ancaster re: Report PBOP.
16. Letter from the church at Houston re: Report PBOP.
17. Letter from the church at Surrey re: Report PBOP.

1. Overture from br. C. Lindhout re: Article 32 C.O.
2. Overture from sr. C. VanEerden re: the Place of Women's Voting in the Elections of Office Bearers.
3. Letter from the church at Carman re: Financial Report General Fund and Audit Report.
4. Letter from the church at Burlington -South re: letter from sr. C. VanEerden (item E. 2 above).
5. Overture from the church at Port Kells re: Method of Decision Making and Reporting of General Synods.
6. Overture from the church at Grand Valley re: Art. 39 C.O.
7. Letter from the church at Fergus re: Regional Synod West 1994.
8. Letter from the church at Chilliwack re: Method of Decision Making.
9. Letter from the church at Burlington-West re: Inspection Archives General Synod 1992.
10. Report from the church at Burlington-East as Address Church of the Canadian Reformed Churches.
11. Report from the church at Rockway re: Auditing the Books of General Synod 1992.
12. Overture from the church at Langley re: Guidelines for General Synod.
13. Overture from the church at Langley re: Women's Participation in Voting and Electing of Office Bearers.

1. Report of the Board of Governors (BoG).
a. Supplement to Report.
2. Letter from the church at Chilliwack re: Report BoG
3. Letter from the church at Watford re: Report BoG.
4. Letter from the church at Neerlandia re: Report BoG.
5. Letter from the church at Elora re: Report BoG.
6. Letter from the church at Houston re: Report BoG.
7. Letter from the church at Burlington-East re: Report
8. Letter from the church at Guelph re: Report BoG.

The following Advisory Committees are appointed:

Committee I Rev. E. Kampen (convener), Rev. J. DeGelder, elder L. Stam and
elder G. VanWoudenberg.
Material: A 6, 7, 15, 21; C: 5, 6, 7, 10 - 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 29, 30, 32,
37, 39, 41, 44, 45, 47, 48; D 10.
 
Committee II  Rev. J. D. Wielenga (convener), Rev. R. Aasman, elder G.J. Nordeman
and elder I. Veurink.
Material: A 8,12,13; B 1 - 17; C 19, 20; D 10; E 1, 2,4, 6,13; F 1 - 8
 
Committee Ill Rev. W. den Hollander (convener), Rev. D.G.J. Agema, elder
A. Ruggi and elder T. VanPopta.
Material: A 4, 5, 9,10,11, 14,18,19,20, 22; C 3,9,23,24,34, 35, 40; D 10;

Committee IV Rev. P.G. Feenstra (convener), Rev. J. Visscher, elder H.A. Berends and elder J. Boot.
Material: A 1, 1 a, 2, 3, 16, 17; C 1, 1 a, 2, 4, 16, 22, 26, 28, 31, 33, 36, 38, 42,
43, 46, 47, 49; D 1 - 17; E 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12
 
Executive: C 8; E 5, 8

The Executive presents:
Agenda items VIII. E. 5, 8

I. MATERIAL
Letters from the churches at Chilliwack and Port Kells. Both churches request
Synod to change the format of the decisions by Synod to that of: Material -
Decisions - Grounds.

II. DECISION
Synod decides to use as format for decisions: Material - Decisions - Grounds.

Ill. GROUNDS

A. This approach may allow for briefer and more succinct decisions.
B. It may also make it clearer to see on what basis the decisions are made. DEFEATED

Synod is adjourned for committee work.
 

EVENING SESSION - WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 1995

Elder J. Boot asks that Psalm 107 : 1, 2 be sung and leads in closing prayer. The chairman adjourns the meeting.
 

MORNING SESSION -THURSDAY, MAY 11, 1995

The chairman asks that Psalm 2 : 1 and 3 be sung. He reads Ephesians 1 : 15 - 23 and in prayer a blessing is asked over the meeting. Roll call is held, and shows that all members of Synod are present.

The Acts, Articles 7 - 13 are read and adopted.

Synod is adjourned for committee work.
 

EVENING SESSION - THURSDAY, MAY 11, 1995

The chairman reopens Synod and requests those present to sing Psalm 3 : 1 and 2. Roll call shows that all members of Synod are present. The chairman welcomes the guests present at this plenary session. He gives a special welcome to the fraternal delegates from the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands.

Rev. A. DeJager addresses Synod on behalf of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (RCN). Rev. J. DeGelder responds to this address. (See Appendix 1, p. 90)

Committee III presents:

Agenda items VIII. C. 3, 24, 35, 40

I. MATERIAL

A. Report of the Committee for Relations with Churches Abroad regarding the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA), the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands [Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland (Vrijgernaakt)] (RCN), and the Free Reformed Churches in South Africa (FRCSA).

II. INTRODUCTION

The Committee for Relations with Churches Abroad (CRCA) received from Synod 1992 the following mandate:

A. General

1. To continue the Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the FRCA, the RCN and the FRCSA in accordance with the adopted rules.

2. To charge the CRCA to send an invitation to our sister churches abroad to attend the next General Synod as soon as its date has been established and published by the convening church and to have our churches represented by a delegate to General Synods of such churches abroad if invited and when feasible.

1 . To request the CRCA to convey our appreciation for support given by the FRCA to our Theological College in Hamilton.

2. To mandate the CRCA delegates to attend, if possible, the meeting organized by the FRCA to discuss their concerns regarding the ICRC and report about this to General Synod. To mandate the CRCA to convey our reservations about the rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship adopted by the FRCA.

A. The Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA)

The CRCA notes
1 . The Acts of Synods (Lincoln 1992, Bedfordale 1992, Byford 1994) were exchanged.
2. Rev. E. Kampen and Rev. M. VanBeveren visited the FRCA General Synod Byford June 14 - 27,1994 as delegates of the CRCA.

3. Rev. Cl. Stam and Rev. J. Visscher attended an informal meeting held in Zwolle, the Netherlands, in conjunction with the meeting of the ICRC (September 1 - 9, 1993) together with delegates from the (RCN), the FRCSA and the Presbyterian Churches of Korea (PKN) to discuss the concerns of the FRCA in regard to the expression "unity of faith" at the ICRC. The Australian opinion that closer unity in credal statements and church polity must be reached before we can speak of such unity, was not shared by others at the meeting.

4. Synods Bedfordale 1992 and Byford 1994 decided to continue member
ship in the ICRC.

5. Both FRCA Synods (1992 and 1994) decided to continue their support for

the Canadian Reformed Theological College.
 
6. With respect to interchurch relationships, Synod Byford 1994 decided

a. to continue sister church relationships with the Canadian Reformed Churches, the RCN, the PCK, the FRCSA and the Reformed Churches of Sumba Timor Savu (RCSTS);
b.to continue contact with other churches in Indonesia;
c. with respect to the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia (PCEA), the Free Church of Scotland (FCS), the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ireland and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland (RPCI), to continue contact/relations at a low level (passing on Acts and greetings) leaving discussions in abeyance while the churches study relations With Presbyterian Churches in general.

7. Synod Bedfordale 1992 instructed their deputies "once more to communicate to our sister churches our rules for declarations for ministers who visit abroad or who visit us."

8. Synod Bedfordale 1992 adopted rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship which are similar to ours. Although Synod Lincoln 1992 mandated the CRCA to convey our reservations about the rules adopted by the FRCA in so far as they differ from ours concerning entering into third party relationships (Acts 1992, Art. 49.III.A.9), there is no evidence in the CRCA report that these concerns were responded to.

1 . The Acts of Synod (Lincoln 1992 and Ommen 1993) were exchanged. Rev. J. Visscher attended Synod Ommen on behalf of the Canadian Reformed Churches.
2. The CRCA notes from the Acts of Synod Ommen 1993 and from corre
spondence that

a. New rules for sister church relationships were adopted by Synod Ommen. These rules are almost identical to the rules which were adopted by the Canadian Reformed Churches in 1992 and therefore show a desired harmony for which we have pleaded in the past.

b. Synod Ommen decided to grant women the right to vote. According to the CRCA this should not affect the relationship with the Canadian Reformed Churches who have in the past also struggled with this issue and concluded that "there is an obvious lack of consensus on this matter."

c. Synod Ommen decided it was permissible for elders to extend the benediction. The CRCA raises questions concerning the distinction between the offices of elder and of minister.

d. The (RCN), show increased activity with respect to relations with churches abroad. While this is in itself laudable according to the CRCA, it also points out that care must be taken to consult with sister churches, especially in areas where the sister churches are actively involved (for example, in Brazil).

a. The church at Burlington-East overtures Synod to instruct the CRCA convey concerns about the "perceived relative ease" with which the RCN "establish contacts all over the world" and about the need for consultation with sister churches especially in areas where sister churches are already involved.

b. The church at Guelph overtures Synod to instruct the CRCA to see clarification concerning the RCN's practices with respect to consulting sister churches when entering into third party relationships.

c. The church at Houston overtures Synod to instruct the CRCA to seek improved consultation with the (RCN), especially with respect to establishing third party relationships on the North-American continent.

1. Acts of Synods (Lincoln 1992 and Pretoria 1992) were exchanged.

2. The CRCA did not send a delegation to Synod Pretoria but appropriate
correspondence was sent.

3. The FRCSA were informed of our new rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship. The CRCA was informed that the FRCSA planned to discuss this matter at its Synod Johannesburg 1994.

4. From the Acts of Synod Pretoria 1992 the CRCA observed that the FRCSA re-evaluated their contacts with the Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA) after concluding that the RCSA recognize Scripture as the infallible Word of God, accept the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed and the Three Forms of Unity and have a similar Church Order and Subscription Forms.

IV. CONSIDERATIONS

A. From the correspondence and the Acts of the FRCA, the RCN and the FRCSA we may gratefully conclude that these churches are faithful to the Word of God, the Confessions and the Church Order.
B. The CRCA has fulfilled its mandate regarding our Ecclesiastical Fellowship
with these churches.
C. The FRCA are to be commended for the generous support they give to the Theological College in Hamilton.
D. The FRCA should as yet be requested to consider our concerns regarding their Rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship relating to third party relationships.
E. The question raised by the CRCA concerning the blessing elder and its impact on the distinction between the offices of elder and of minister in the (RCN), merits further discussions pursuant to our Rule Six.
F. In light of concerns raised by the churches and the CRCA, the issue of
consultation prior to entering into third party relationships merits further discussion with the RCN, The discrepancy between the RCN's use of the word "inform" and our use of the word "consult" could lead to difficulties where both church federations are working toward a relationship with the same third party.

Synod decide
 

A. To thank the CRCA for its work done since 1992.

B. To continue the Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the Free Reformed Churches in Australia, the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands and the Free Reformed Churches in South Africa in accordance with the adopted rules.

C. To request the CRCA to convey our appreciation for the support given by the Free Reformed Churches in Australia to our Theological College in Hamilton.

D. To charge the CRCA to send an invitation to our sister churches abroad to attend the next General Synod as soon as its date has been established and published by the convening church and to have our churches represented by a delegate to General Synods of such churches abroad if invited and when feasible.

E. To mandate the CRCA to solicit a response to our reservations about the Rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship adopted by the Free Reformed Churches in Australia.

F. To mandate the CRCA to discuss with the Dutch deputies, pursuant to our Rule Six, our questions concerning the blessing elder and its possible consequences regarding the distinction between the offices of elder and minister in the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands.

G. To mandate the CRCA to seek clarification from the Reformed Churches in the
Netherlands concerning the use of the word "inform" in Rule Three.

ADOPTED

Committee II presents: Agenda item VIII. E. 6

I. MATERIAL

Overture from the church at Grand Valley requesting a change to the last line of
Article 39 C.O.

II. ADMISSIBILITY

Synod declares this overture inadmissible on the ground that according to Article 30 C.O., new matters not previously presented to General Synod should first be dealt with by the minor assemblies.

I. MATERIAL

Letters from brother C. Lindhout and the church at Toronto requesting a change to Article 32 C.O. regarding the sending of delegates to broader assemblies.

II. ADMISSIBILITY

Synod declares these letters inadmissible on the ground that according to Article
30 C.O., new matters not previously presented to General Synod should first be
dealt with by the minor assemblies.

As a matter of procedure the question is asked whether individual members have the right to bring matters directly to Synod without involving their local consistories. The chair rules that this question should not be discussed at this point.
 

Elder G.J. Nordeman requests that Psalm 66 : 1, 2 be sung and leads in closing prayer. The chairman adjourns the meeting.
 

MORNING SESSION - FRIDAY, MAY 12,1995

The chairman reopens the meeting. Synod sings Ps 4 : 1, 2, 3. Scripture reading is
Ephesians 2 : 1 - 10. Roll call is held and shows that all members of Synod are
present.

The Acts, Articles 14 - 23 are read and adopted.
 

Synod meets in closed session.

AFTERNOON SESSION - FRIDAY, MAY 12,1995

EVENING SESSION - FRIDAY, MAY 12,1995

Book of Praise

Committee IV presents:

     Agenda items VIII. D. 1 - 17

The Committee takes the proposal back for further consideration.

Elder A. Ruggi request that Psalm 33: 1, 6 be sung and leads in prayer of thanksgiving. The chairman adjourns the meeting.
 

MORNING SESSION - MONDAY, MAY 15, 1995

The chairman reopens the meeting. He asks the members of Synod to sing Ps 6: 1, 2, 5. He reads Ephesians 2 : 11 - 22 and leads in prayer. Roll call shows that all members of Synod are present.

Committee I presents:

Agenda items VIII. A. 20, B. 18, 30, 48

Having heard the discussion the Committee takes the proposal back for reconsideration.

Synod is adjourned for committee work.
 

EVENING SESSION - MONDAY, MAY 15,1995

The chairman reopens the meeting. He requests all present to sing Psalm 7 : 1 and 2. Roll call is held. All members of Synod are present. He welcomes the fraternal delegate from the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Rev. J.J. Peterson.

Committee IV presents:

Agenda items VIII. D. 1 - 17

I. MATERIAL

A. Report of the Standing Committee for the Publication of the Book of Praise
B. Letter from the church at Burlington-East re: General Synod 1983, Art. 174
and General Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 64.
C. Letter from br. M. Kampen
D. Letters from the church at Surrey re: Report
E. Letter from the church at Aldergrove re: Report
F. Letter from the church at London re: Report
G. Letter from the church at Lynden re: Report
H. Letter from the church at Langley re: Report
I. Letter from the church at Grand Valley re: Report
J. Letter from the church at Fergus re: Report
K. Letter from the church at Chilliwack re: Report
L. Letter from br. M. M. De Groot re: Hy. 1 A
M. Letter from the church at Guelph re: Report
N. Letter from John Calvin School re: Hy. 46:2
0. Letter from the church at Ancaster re: Report
P. Letter from the church at Houston re: Report

II. OBSERVATIONS

A. A new printing of the revised edition appeared in 1993. This edition contains several typographical errors which must be corrected. Several of these errors are mentioned by the Committee and the church at Grand Valley.

B. A proposed introduction to the Church Order was drafted by the Committee according to their mandate. The church at Grand Valley suggests the last sentence of the first paragraph read "on the church orders of the reformed churches in France and Geneva."

1 . The Committee recommends that the Synod refrain from including them in the Book of Praise.

2. The church at Burlington-East overtures that Synod rescind the decision of Synod 1983, Art. 174, and Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 64, and instruct the Committee not to insert these prefaces in the Book of Praise.

3. The church at Grand Valley supports the recommendation of the Committee.

1 . The church at Fergus does not support the change from "I believe" to "We believe" or the alleged change from "Creator" to "Maker"

2. The churches at Burlington-East and Grand Valley overture Synod to delete the words "God of God" since these words are not part of the original Greek text, and since the Creed already contains the words "true God of true God." The church at Guelph prefers the reading "begotten from the Father before all ages; God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God."

4. The church at Grand Valley notes that the Committee is not consistent in the translation of the word "and" and proposes the following translation: "he arose on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; and will come again......"

5. The church at Grand Valley questions breaking the paragraph on the Holy Spirit into three sentences. To retain the unity of the paragraph they suggest that the text read, "We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets."

6. The church at Grand Valley also requests consistency in the capitalization of pronouns referring to God.

7. The churches at Aldergrove, Ancaster, Chilliwack, Fergus, Grand Valley, Lynden and Surrey request that the word "in" be left out of the phrase "We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church."

8. The church at Guelph recommends the final paragraph read, "We confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins."

1. The Committee gives an evaluation of the "alternate melody," the "Teitsma adaptation," and the "Schoof version" but does not make any recommendations on these.

2. The Committee recommends that Synod give serious consideration to adopt as an alternate melody to Hymn 1A, a rendition of the creed as found in the church book of Martin Bucer in Strasbourg 1539.

3. The church at Burlington-East and Langley overture Synod that the matter regarding an "alternate melody" be put to rest and not to renew this part o the Committee's mandate.

4. Br. M.M. De Groot informs Synod that he considers himself the owner of the copyright because he commissioned and paid J. Schouten. He grants Synod the permission "to make the necessary changes to the Hymn 1A tune in order to accommodate the text."

G. With respect to future revisions

1 . The Committee proposes that a running file be kept of possible improvements to all sections of the Book of Praise.

2. The church at Houston agrees with the Committee and proposes that the adopted changes be included "at one time in the publication of a final edition of the Book of Praise at some much later date."

3. The church at London proposes that Synod
 
a. request the publisher of the Book of Praise to repeat the musical notation when a psalm or hymn continues overleaf for the improvement of congregational singing;

b. instruct the Committee to replace the present marginal proof texts to the Canons of Dort with endnotes and the marginal proof texts to the Liturgical Forms with footnotes since this will aid study and understanding of the Canons and Liturgical Forms.

I. The church at Surrey proposes that Synod instructs the Committee to add the
Scripture references to the articles of the Church Order, wherever
applicable.

J. Synod is informed that after many years of service, br. W. Helder and M.
Kampen wish to retire from the Committee.

K. The students of Grade 4a of the John Calvin School of Yarrow ask Synod to
change the references to the church in Hymn 46 : 2 from "it" to "her."

Ill. CONSIDERATIONS

A. Synod expresses its gratitude for the many years of service offered by br.
W. Helder and br. M. Kampen.

B. The church at Grand Valley raises a valid point regarding the wording of the
introduction to the Church Order.
Seeing that two of the basic pillars of Reformed church polity are its opposition to hierarchy and independentism (Art. 31 and 74 C.O.) the statement "At Emden the dominant principle of the church order was expressed in the first article: 'No church may lord it over another church and no minister may lord it over another minister' " is incomplete.

C. The contents of the prefaces to the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort are not readily understandable to one who is not familiar with their historical context. Even though they have historical value, they need not be included in the Book of Praise.

D. The proposed revision of the Nicene Creed is more than a linguistic revision. It is also a structural change. The Committee has followed the suggestion of Dr. N.H. Gootjes and translated the original text making allowances for English language and theological development. Based on the submissions of a number of churches, it becomes clear that some allowances for the English language have taken away from the flavour of the original text and some of the changes are not convincing.

1. The deletion of the words "God of God" as suggested by the church at Grand Valley is based on a particular text of the Nicene Creed. Other Greek texts of the creed and the received Latin include it.

2. The proposal of the church at Fergus to retain the word "I" instead of "we" A. is based on their preference and not on any of the original texts of the Nicene Creed.

3. The church at Fergus is incorrect when it suggests that the revised text as proposed by the Committee has changed "Creator" to "Maker."

4. There is no compelling reason to change "God of God" to "God from God" since both "of' and "from" are good translations of the word used in the original text.

5. "And" has an important structural function in the Nicene Creed and should be retained wherever possible.

6. The Committee's reasoning is debatable when it says that "one may state that he believes in the church as an indestructible reality, and a life giving divine work present on earth" it may be better to leave out the "in" in the phrase "I believe (in) a holy catholic and apostolic church" to avoid confusion.

7. There is no need to change "we acknowledge" to "we confess" since both are possible translations of the Greek verb and are used interchangeably throughout Scripture as well.

(this consideration has been replaced, see below)

F. Although the Committee dismisses the concerns of br, L. VanZandwyk it does admit that the Latin word "valor" has the nuance of "power" and seeing that the Dutch translation uses "power" ("kracht") this matter deserves more attention.

G . New editions (printing) of the Book of Praise should appear as infrequently as possible to avoid financial costs and for the benefit of the church members. In this connection it would be appropriate (as suggested by the Committee and the church at Houston) that a running file of adopted improvements to the Book of Praise be kept by the Committee.

H . Repeating the musical notation when a psalm or hymn continues on the overleaf (as is done in the Dutch church book) has merit. The possibility of incorporating these changes into a future revision of the Book of Praise, should be investigated by the Committee.

I . The church at London does not give compelling arguments to warrant replacing the present marginal proof texts to the Canons of Dort with endnotes and the marginal proof texts to the Liturgical Forms with footnotes.

J. The character of the Subscription Form is different from the Liturgical Forms. There are different ways in which the members of the congregation can familiarize themselves with what their office bearers subscribe to.

K. Even though the Church Order is based on Biblical principles, it would be
rather difficult to find specific Scripture references for each article.

L. It is appropriate that requests regarding changes to the wording of psalms and hymns be submitted to the Committee. Seeing that the submission of the students of the John Calvin School has been passed on to the Committee, no further action is necessary.

IV RECOMMENDATIONS

Synod decide

A.To acknowledge the work done by the Standing Committee for the Publication of the Book of Praise.

B. To send a letter to br. W. Helder and br. M. Kampen expressing the appreciation of Synod for the work they did as members of the Committee.

C. To continue the Committee, consisting of four members and to appoint two members (at least one with musical talents).

D. To adopt the introduction of the Church Order including the change suggested by the church at Grand Valley but deleting the sentence quoted in CONSIDERATiON B.

E. Not to adopt the historical prefaces of the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort and to rescind the decision of Synod Cloverdale 1983, Art.174, and Synod Lincoln 1992, Art. 64 regarding this matter.

F. TO adopt provisionally the following revised edition of the Nicene Creed requesting the churches to test it and to send their comments (if any) to the Standing Committee of the Book of Praise for evaluation:
 

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; God of God, Light of Light, true God of true

God; begotten, not made; of one substance with the Father; through whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and our salvation, came down from heaven and became incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He arose, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified; who spoke through the prophets.

And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins; and we look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

H. [That the matter of an alternate melody for Hymn 1 A be put to rest and no
longer be added to the Committee's mandate.]

(this recommendation has been replaced, see below)

J. Not to grant the request of the church at London regarding the marginal notes in the Canons of Dort and Liturgical Forms.

K. Not to accede to the church at Surrey with respect to adding Scripture refer
ences to the Church Order.

L. To give the Committee the following mandate:

1 . to function according to the arrangements for publishing and distribution accepted by General Synod Cloverdale 1983 (see Acts 1983, pages 297- 299);

2. to maintain its corporate status in order to be able to protect the interests of the Canadian Reformed Churches in all matters concerning the Book of Praise;

3. to foster an increased awareness of the existence of the Book of Praise among others promote the availability of a book of harmonizations facilitating the use of the Book of Praise in the English speaking world;

4. to serve as the address to which any correspondence regarding the Book of Praise can be directed;

5. to correct the errors in the present edition of the Book of Praise;

6. to investigate the possibility of repeating the musical notation when a psalm or hymn continues overleaf and to make a recommendation to the next General Synod;

7. to receive comments from the churches on the revised text of the Nicene Creed, to evaluate these comments and to make final recommendations to the next General Synod;

8. to keep a running file of adopted improvements to the Book of Praise for a future edition of the Book of Praise;

9. to implement all Synod decisions regarding the contents of the Book of Praise;

10. to serve the following General Synod with a report to be sent to the churches at least six months before the beginning of this Synod.

Synod decide

To adopt the suggestion of one of the musical experts advisors to give "the alternate melody" (Zwart) a "test period" in the churches as also the Strasbourg melody (Bucer) of 1539 recommended by the Standing Committee.

Ground:

the mandate of previous Synods to provide the churches with a melody which allows for singing the Apostles' Creed in the form adopted by the churches.

This amendment is ADOPTED

A motion to delay voting on the proposal is DEFEATED.

The amended proposal of the advisory committee is

Committee II presents:

Agenda items VI I I. E. 2, 4,13

The Committee presents a majority and a minority report.
The reports are taken back for further consideration.

Elder G. VanWoudenberg requests that Psalm 25 : 2, 6 be sung and leads in prayer.
The chairman adjourns the meeting.
 

MORNING SESSION -TUESDAY, MAY 16,1995

The chairman reopens the meeting. He requests the members of Synod to sing Psalm 8: 1 - 5. He reads Ephesians 3: 1 - 13 and leads in prayer. Roll call is held and shows that all members of Synod are present.

The Acts, Articles 38 - 46 are read and adopted.

Synod is adjourned for committee work.

EVENING SESSION - TUESDAY, MAY 16,1995

The chairman reopens the meeting. He asks that Psalm 9: 1, 4, 5 be sung. Roll call is held. All members of Synod are present. The chairman welcomes the fraternal delegate from the Free Church of Scotland, Rev. K. Stewart.