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

APPENDIX VI

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RELATIONS WITH CHURCHES ABROAD

OF THE CANADIAN REFORMED CHURCHES

REPORT TO GENERAL SYNOD ABBOTSFORD 1995

Esteemed Brethren,

We hereby submit to you our report on the activities of the Committee on Relations With Churches Abroad (CRCA), appointed by General Synod 1992.

1. MANDATE

General Synod Lincoln 1992 gave our Committee the following mandate:

A. General

1. To continue the Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the Free Reformed Churches of Australia, the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (De Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland [Vrijgemaaktl), and the Free Reformed Churches in South Africa in accordance with the adopted rules. (Acts 1992, Art. 49, V, B)

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. (Acts 1992, Art. 49, V, D)

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

3.2. 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 the General Synod.

3.3. to mandate the CRCA to convey our reservations about the rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship adopted by the FRCA. (Acts 1992, Art. 49, V, C, E, F)

4.1. to inform the PCK of our acceptance of their request for Ecclesiastical Fellowship using the adopted rules.

4.2. to formalize this relationship in a manner satisfactory to both church federations.

4.3. to inform the churches and to report to the next General Synod on the relationship with the PCK. (Acts 1992, Art. 111, IV, B, 1, 2, 3)

5.1. to recognize with gratitude the Free Church of Scotland as a true church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

5.2. to offer the Free Church of Scotland, including the Free Church of Scotland congregation in Canada, a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship under the adopted rules.

5.3. to thank the CRCA for completing its mandate thus far with respect to the FCS and to charge the CRCA to convey to the FCS the decision of Synod1992, and to advise the churches and Synod 1995 of the response of the Free Church of Scotland. (Acts 1992, Art. 128, IV, A, B, C)

6.1. to thank the church at Carman, MB and the CRCA for their work done with regard to the FICUS and express our appreciation for the desire of the RCUS to establish fraternal relations with our churches.

6.2. to mandate the CRCA to investigate the FICUS with a view to entering into a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship, making use of the findings of the church at Carman, MB. (Acts 1992, Art. 79, IV, A, B)

7.1. that the CanRC continue to participate in the ICRC.

7.2. that the CanRC be represented at the next meeting of the ICRC, Zwolle 1993.

7.3. that two members of the CRCA be sent to the ICRC, Zwolle 1993, as voting delegates and Dr. N. H. Gootjes as advisor (with Dr. J. Faber as alternate).

7.4. that the CRICA report to the next General Synod, as well as to the churches, giving a report and evaluation of the ICRC, Zwolle, the Netherlands, (D.V.) 1993. (Acts 1992, Art. 94, W, A, B, C, D)

8.1. to give the CRICA the following mandate:

1 . to investigate diligently all the requests received for entering into ecclesiastical fellowship;

2. to respond, if possible and feasible, to specific requests made to attend Assemblies, Synods, or meeting of other churches;

3. to report on its findings with suitable recommendations, to the next General Synod.

8.2. this mandate allows the CRCA to further investigate the Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA) and the Eglise Reformee Confessante au Zaire (ERCZ).

8.3. that the CRCA submits to Synod 1995 a financial statement and budget. (Acts 1992, Art. 112, IV, A, 1, 2, 3, B, C)

General Synod 1992 revised the existing Rules of Correspondence and decided to call them officially "Rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship." The revised rules read as follows:

1 . The churches shall assist each other in the maintenance, defence and promotion of the Reformed faith in doctrine, church polity, discipline, and liturgy, and be watchful for deviations.

2. The churches shall inform each other of the decisions taken by their broadest assemblies, if possible by sending each other their Acts or Minutes and otherwise, at least by sending the decisions relevant to the respective churches (if possible, in translation).

3. The churches shall consult each other when entering into relations with third parties.

4. The churches shall accept one another's attestations or certificates of good standing, which also means admitting members of the respective churches to the sacraments upon presentation of that attestation or certificate.

5. The churches shall open their pulpits for each other's ministers in agreement with the rules adopted in the respective churches.

6. When major changes or additions are being considered to the confessions, church government or liturgy, the churches shall be informed in order that as much consultation can take place as possible before a final decision is taken.

7. The churches shall receive each other's delegates at their broadest assemblies and invite them to participate as much as local regulations permit." (Acts 1992, Art. 50, IV B, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

1. Declarations

a. The following ministers and professors of the Canadian Reformed Churches, planning to travel abroad, requested and received a declaration that they are ministers in good standing in the Churches:

The Revs. D.G.J. Agema, J. Huijgen, K. Jonker, E. Kampen, Cl. Stam, J. Kroeze, G.A. Snip, M. van Beveren.

b. The following ministers of the Free Reformed Churches in Australia and the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands visited Canada:

The Revs. Tj. Boersma, C. Bouwman, A.J. Pol.

When the Acts of General Synod Lincoln 1992 were received, a sufficient number of copies was sent to those churches with which we maintain Ecclesiastical Fellowship.

3. Notifications and Invitations

Letters of notification and invitation were sent to the sister Churches regarding the convening of General Synod Abbotsford 1995. Copies of the Provisional Agenda were sent.

4. Interim Information to the Churches

A number of articles have appeared in Clarion during the last couple of years informing the Churches of some of the activities of the CRCA. They are as follows:

­- July 16, 1993, Rev. E. Kampen reported on his visit to the 247th Synod of the RCUS;

--Oct. 22, 1993, Rev. Cl. Stam reported on the Third Meeting of the ICRC in Zwolle, the Netherlands;

--Year End Issue 1993 and March 11, 1994, Rev. J. Visscher reported on his visit to the General Synod Ommen of the FICN and to the General Assembly of the FCS;

--Sept. 9 and 23, 1994, Rev. E. Kampen reported on his visit, along with the Rev. M. van Beveren to the FRCA;

--Year End Issue 1994, br. A. Nap reported on his visit to the 248th Synod of the FICUS.

V. THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF AUSTRALIA (FRCA)

1. Correspondence

a. After the Synod of 1992 met, the FRCA were informed about the decisions taken that pertained to them. A copy of the new Rules for relations with Sister Churches was sent to them. Copies of the Acts of 1992 were sent as soon as they were received from the printer. Appreciation for their support of the Theological College was expressed.

b. In a letter from FRCA deputies dated Feb. 15, 1993, it was expressed that the FRCA wish to maintain Hymn 1 A unaltered.

c. Concerning the ICRC, a letter was sent indicating that we were not opposed to an informal meeting with sister churches. The delegates at the ICRC met informally and discussed the difficulty among the Australian churches with 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 discussed at length. The difficulty of the Australian sister churches was not shared by the others at the meeting.

d. In a letter dated 31 January 1994, we were informed of the Synod scheduled to be held in Byford, starting June 14, 1994. The letter stated "...we would plead with you to send a delegation to our next synod. Input was sought especially in two matters on the agenda, namely Bible translation and the ICRC. Rev. C. Stam and Rev. J. Visscher were delegated, with Rev. E. Kampen as alternate. (See Appendices)

2. Acts of Synod Bedfordale, 1992

Synod Bedfordale met from May 18­June 8, 1992. Since the Acts were not available in time to report to Synod Lincoln, 1992, we as yet note some items from the Acts that will serve to give a picture of the life of the FRCA.

a. The following officers were elected: Chairman ­ Rev. A. Veldman; Vice chairman ­-Rev. A. van Delden; First clerk ­- elder J. Eikelboom; Second clerk -­ Rev. C, Bouwman.

b. A tremendous amount of time was spent on matters of interchurch relationships, not only on a national level (Australia) but also internationally. The following is gleaned from the Acts:

i. Synod decided to continue contact with the Canadian Reformed Churches. In the considerations disappointment was expressed that there is not more information about our churches. The specific example mentioned was contact with the OPC. The deputies were urged to give more content to the contact with our churches.

ii. Sister church relations were continued with the Presbyterian Church in Korea, the Free Reformed Churches in South Africa, as well as with the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (RCN). Disappointment was expressed that the "RCN in the matter of recognizing sister churches did not honour their commitment under the adopted Rules for relations with churches abroad (Rule e)." This pertains especially to the RCN entering into sister church relations with the FICUS, the Eglise Reformee Confessante au Zaire and the Free Reformed Church of the Philippines without informing or consulting the sister churches in Australia.

iii. Sister church relations were continued with the Reformed Churches of Sumba Timor Savu (RCSTS). The Musyafir Churches in Timor were to be further investigated to see if they can be recognized as true and faithful churches. Johnson Dethan from the Musyafir Churches and Rev. Doko from the RCSTS were to be invited to Australia for orientation and training.

iv. With respect to the PCEA, the committee was mandated to "work towards a mutual recognition of each other as true churches of our Lord Jesus Christ and in the light of this goal: To continue to study and discuss further with the PCEA the remaining areas of concern specified by Synod 1987, viz, the supervision of the Lord's table, the practice of pulpit exchanges and the position of children in the covenant."

Due attention is also to be given to " nter­denominationalism."

v. With respect to the Reformed Churches of Australia (RCA), deputies were mandated to observe what the next RCA Synod would do with the report which their deputies for dialogue with the FRCA will submit, and report to the next FRCA synod.

vi. With respect to the Reformed Church of New Zealand, the same level of contact was to be maintained. Discussions were to continue especially about contact with third parties (Reformed Church in Australia and NGK).

vii. Continued efforts were to be made for closer contact with the Evangelical Reformed Church of Singapore (ERCS).

viii. Synod decided to leave contact with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia to the churches at the local level.

ix. Efforts to be become more acquainted with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ireland were to be continued.

x. It was decided not to accede to the request of the Free Reformed Churches in the Philippines and the Reformed Church of Zaire (RCZ) to establish relations with them, as the resources of the churches are stretched to the limit when it comes to international contacts. Further information is to be gathered.

xi. Continued efforts are to be made with respect to the Free Church of Scotland to come to full sister church relations.

xii. Contact with the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland will be kept at a low level.

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d. Deputies were instructed "once more to communicate to our sister churches our rules about declarations for ministers who visit abroad or who visit us." This was due to the fact that visiting ministers, some of whom led worship services, did not come accompanied with proper declarations.

e. The following rules for exercising sister relations were adopted:

1. Sister relations shall be used mutually to assist, encourage and exhort one another to live as churches of God in this world.

2. The churches shall mutually care for each other that they do not depart from the reformed faith in doctrine, church polity, discipline and liturgy.

3. The churches shall inform each other of the decisions taken by their broadest assemblies, if possible by sending each other their Acts or their Minutes and, otherwise, at least by sending the decisions relevant to the respective churches (if possible in translation).

4. The churches shall give account to each other concerning the establishing of relations with third parties.

5. The churches shall accept one another's attestations, which also means admitting the members of the respective churches to the sacraments upon presentation of these attestations.

6. The churches shall in principle open their pulpits to each other's ministers in agreement with the rules adopted by the respective church federations. Also the churches agree in principle to the possibility of calling each other's ministers, while the churches reserve for themselves the right to maintain their own rules in connection with the extension and approval of calls.

7. In cases of substantial changes or additions to the confession, church order or liturgical forms this intention shall be brought to the special attention of the sister churches, so that as much consultation as possible can take place before a final decision is reached.

8. The churches shall receive each other's delegates at their broadest assemblies and invite them to sit as advisers, as much as possible.

f. Much time was spent on the issue of the ICRC. Synod had to deal with a great number of submissions by church members. A key concern was the issue of "unity of faith." Synod decided to continue membership in the ICRC. Due to the concerns signaled, a meeting of sister churches was to be convened prior to or coinciding with the next ICRC.

g. The matter of Bible translation continued to be of concern. It appears that the RSV has never gained much acceptance. It was decided to 1. recommend to the churches that the NKJV be used for study, instruction and family purposes," and to appoint new deputies who are "to continue the study of the NKJV, in comparison with the NIV, to determine whether the NKJV can be endorsed as a final recommendation to the churches." This decision was to be communicated to Synod Lincoln 1992, in order that our churches might reach a similar decision.

From the Acts we note the following details:

a. The following officers were elected: Chairman ­ Rev. W. Huizinga; Vice chairman ­ Rev. C. Bouwman; Clerk­Elder A. Slobe; Second Clerk ­ Rev. C. Kleyn.

b. Upon a proposal from the Church at Kelmscott, it was agreed to use advisory committees only for those items that synod as a whole decides would benefit from such referral and revert to the 1985 decision to use the headings MATERIAL, DECISION, and GROUNDS.

c. Synod adopted a final version of the Church Order in the tradition of Dort adapted to the Australian situation.

d. With respect to Bible translation, it was decided: "To endorse the NKJV as a faithful and reliable translation for use in the churches, as well as for study, instruction and family purposes."

"To allow the NIV to be used in the church service, and for study, instruction and family purposes."

7o allow a period of transition for the churches to move away from the RSV in two years." (Art. 55)

e. It was decided to continue support for the Theological College at $38.00 cm.

f. It was decided to continue membership in the ICRC. The Synod also proposes to the next ICRIC to adopt the following amendment of the first Purpose of the ICRC as stated in its Constitution so that it will read: "1. to express and promote unity in the reformed faith which the member churches confess." One of the grounds for this amendment is that the present reading, "the unity of faith that the member churches HAVE in Christ implies to many that unity already exists, while full ecclesiastical fellowship has not yet been realized.

g. With respect to interchurch relationships, the following is gleaned from the Acts:


i. Synod decided to continue contact with the Canadian Reformed Churches.

ii. Sister church relations were continued with the Presbyterian Church in Korea, the Free Reformed Churches in South Africa, as well as with the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (RCN).

Sister church relations were continued with the Reformed Churches of Sumba Timor Savu (RCSTS). Contact with other churches in Indonesia will be continued. Support will continue to be given for the studies of Yonson Dethan from the Musyafir Churches

iv. With respect to the PCEA, FCS, EPCI and RPC1 it was decided to continue contacts/relations at a low level (passing on Acts and greetings, etc.) leaving the discussions in abeyance while the churches study /discuss the matter of contacts/relations with Presbyterian churches in general (Art. 111)

v. With respect to the Reformed Churches of Australia (RCA), it was decided not to send an observer to the next RCA Synod

vi. With respect to the Reformed Church of New Zealand, the same level of contact was to be maintained.

vii. Continued efforts were to be made for closer contact with the Evangelical Reformed Church of Singapore (ERCS).

viii. The Free Reformed Church of the Philippines will continue to be investigated to see if official contacts should be opened with them.

h. With respect to the Ecumenical Creeds, the present text of the Apostles' Creed was maintained, the revised text of the Athanasian Creed was adopted, and the text of the Nicene Creed was retained for the present.

In response to the letter dated January 31, 1994, a delegation was sent to the Synod of the FRC scheduled to start on June 14, 1994 in Byford, WA. A report of the visit by the delegates can be found in Appendices.

From the correspondence received, from the Acts of Synod 1992 and Synod 1994, and from the Report on the visit made to the Synod of 1994 we may conclude that the Free Reformed Churches of Australia continue to be faithful to the Word of the Lord, to the Confessions which sum up that Word and the adopted Church Order.

5. Recommendation

Your Committee recommends to General Synod 1995 that we continue the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the Free Reformed Churches of Australia in accordance with our adopted rules.

V. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN KOREA (PCK)

1. Correspondence

a. In December of 1992 a card, with an enclosed letter, was received from the Korea Theological Seminary, wishing our churches the blessings of the Lord for 1993 and informing us of changes in the Seminary faculty as well as the fact that 436 students were enrolled at the Seminary. Among these students there exists considerable financial need.

b. On January 25, 1993, the PCK was informed that Synod 1992 of the CanRC had accepted the invitation of the PCK to enter into a sister church relationship. We informed them of our Rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship, as revised by Synod 1992, and of our desire to maintain our relationship on the basis of these Rules. Due to the costs involved, Synod did not deem it appropriate for a delegation to travel to Korea, but it was suggested that perhaps this relationship could be formalized at the upcoming meeting of the ICRC in Zwolle, the Netherlands. This suggestion was later agreed to by the PCK.

C. In a letter dated Feb. 22, 1993, the PCK informed us about the highlights of the 42nd General Assembly which met on Sept. 21­25, 1992. Some of the highlights include:

--the addition of three new presbyteries;

­- that divorce be permitted "when other party who is unbeliever makes his (or her) christian life impossible and forces him (or her) to divorce .... when other party who is fallen in sectarian belief hinders proper christian family life and requests divorce;"

-­ the immediate past chairman is ineligible for re­election to the chair;

-­ to attend the third meeting of the ICRC (Sept., 1993) and to send two delegates;

-- the Assembly set aside 1992­3 as the year for the study of Reformed evangelism; 1993­4 as the year for the study of mission; 1994­5 as the year for the study of deaconal works;

-- every congregation was urged to choose at least one region in North Korea and pray for evangelization, while looking forward to the day of liberation and union;

-- to appoint one person to study and gather information on mission work in communist China;

-- the wording of the Constitution of the PCK was modernized;

-- it was reported to the Assembly that the General Assembly building (to be called the Rev. Bruce Hunt Memorial building in honour of this OPC missionary) was progressing and would be completed in August of 1993; 41 ministers of the PCK are serving as army chaplains;

-- 19 new churches were instituted in 1992 and 6 joined the PCK; 1 church was closed;

-- $5,000.00 US was donated to Christians who had suffered from the riots in Los Angeles and Atlanta, USA.

d. On September 2, 1993, a joint meeting was held in Zwolle, the Netherlands to formalize the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship between the Canadian Reformed Churches and the Presbyterian Church in Korea. (For particulars on this meeting see the Appendices);

e. On Dec. 22, 1993, the PCK sent us a letter expressing their happiness at the newly established relationship between our respective churches. They also suggested that one way to make this relationship more effective would be through an exchange of professors. Currently such an arrangement exists between Kampen and Pusan. They suggest that travel costs be borne by the sending churches and lodging costs by the accepting churches. They would like us to consider this matter seriously.

The PCK also informed us that the 43rd General Assembly had decided to enter into Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in the USA. They would also appreciate any information that we can supply them on the FCS, the RCUS, and the ERCZ.

For the academic year 1994, there were 221 applications for admission to the Theological Seminary in Pusan of which 159 were accepted;

f. On Dec. 17, 1994, the Fraternal Relations Committee of the PCK sent us a letter with the highlights of the 44th General Assembly which met from Sept. 26­30, 1994. These include:

­- a decision to demand that the Bible Society produce a total revision of the "Standard New Translation" because of its theological unsoundness;

­- to organize a mission committee for special fields: handicapped, prisons, hospitals, gay quarters, etc.;

­- to appeal to the Government to stop holding official functions on Sundays;

­- to divide a presbytery into two, bringing the total number of presbyteries to 34;

- ­ to contribute $1.25 US per member for the support of needy fishing and farming village churches;

­- to take up contact with the Presbyterian Church in Japan and to ask the advice of the sister church, the Reformed Church in Japan, on this matter.

a. On the basis of the above information, we may conclude that the PCK continues to be faithful to God's Word, to its confessional standards, and to its church government.

b. Since the PCK has formally suggested that an arrangement be made for exchanging professors between Hamilton and Pusan, the Synod should give proper consideration to this matter and, if it so decides, instruct both the CRCA and the Board of Governors of the Theological College to expedite this matter further.

Your Committee recommends to General Synod 1995 that Ecclesiastical Fellowship be continued with the Presbyterian Church in Korea in accordance with the adopted Rules.

VI. THE REFORMED CHURCHES IN THE NETHERLANDS (FICN)

1. Correspondence

a. On January 25, 1993, the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands were informed about the decisions of Synod 1992 that had a bearing on them. A copy of the new Rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship were sent to them. The Acts of Synod 1992 were sent as soon as they arrived from the printer.

b. On March 29, 1993, we notified the Dutch deputies that although we had taken a decision not to send a delegate to Synod Ommen 1993, that decision had since been reviewed and altered due to the urging of the Free Church of Scotland. The Committee on Ecumenical Relations of the FCS had unanimously decided to recommend to the Assembly to accept the offer of Ecclesiastical Fellowship from the CanRC and asked if a member of the CRCA could be in attendance. As a result, the CRCA delegated Dr. J. Visscher to attend and seeing that he could travel just as economically via Amsterdam as London decided also to delegate him to attend Synod Ommen.

c. The CRCA received a letter from the Dutch deputies, dated Nov. 25, 1993, in which they informed us of pertinent decisions taken by Synod Ommen.They relayed that Synod Ommen had decided to continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the CanRC. They also notified us that this Synod had adopted new Rules for this relationship and that those Rules were very similar to the Rules adopted by Synod Lincoln 1992. (A comparison reveals that Synod Ommen adopted verbatim the Rules that the CRCA had proposed to Synod Lincoln. Synod Lincoln decided to make some alterations in the CRCAs proposal, Synod Ommen did not.)

d. On Jan. 17, 1994, we received another letter from the CRCA of the RCN telling us that they had been instructed by Synod Ommen to send a delegation to Brazil to take up contact with the lgreja Presbiteriana do Brasil (IPB) and the lgreja Evangelica Reformada do Brasil (IERB). They asked if the CanRC had made any decisions with respect to these two churches. In addition, they promised to send a copy of the report of this visit. On March 28, 1994, we informed them that no decisions had been made by the CanRC with regard to these two Brazilian churches.

e. On March 25, 1994, the Dutch deputies wrote us again and told us once more about their new Rules. They stated that the Rules adopted by the Free Church of Scotland correspond to the new Dutch Rules. They also expressed happiness that a sister church relationship had been established between the CanRC and the FCS. Appreciation was conveyed over the fact that Dr. J. Visscher had been delegated to attend Synod Ommen.

On a different note, the Dutch deputies also asked us for information on the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARPC) and the Reformed Presbyterian Church ­ General Assembly (F1PCGA). They asked as well whether we could keep them up to date on developments in the Christian Reformed Church. On Oct. 24, 1994, we responded in detail to their request regarding the CRC, but were not able to share with them much knowledge about ARPC. As for the RPCGA, a packet of information had been received by the CRCA and was under study.

f. On Dec. 9, 1994, the FICN Deputies sent us a copy of a report made by Mr. J. van Dijk and Rev. J. T. Oldenhuis regarding the IPB and IER of Brazil. It is currently being studied by the CRCA.

From the Acts we pass on the following highlights:

a. Synod Ommen granted retirement to Prof. Drs. H.M. Ohmann and appointed as his successor, Drs. G. Kwakkel.

b. Dr. J. Visscher visited this Synod on behalf of the Canadian Reformed Churches. Other fraternal delegates were: Rev. N. Hoeflinger (Reformed Church in the US), Rev. G. Ball (Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland), Rev. I.N. a Kuibondo and Rev. N.K. Kasastika (Eglise Reformee Confessante au Zaire), and Rev. C. Bouwman (Free Reformed Churches of Australia).

c. Synod approved a proposal to give voting rights to women in the churches. The following grounds were offered by Synod (summarized):

i. The Scriptures do not explicitly forbid granting voting rights to women in the congregation.

ii. The submissiveness of women is to be seen not as a general aspect but more specifically pertaining to the marriage relationship. Women also share in the office of all believers, and thus may participate in the act of voting. It is also their calling to cooperate in the upbuilding of the congregation.

ill. Voting is not to be seen as "governing" and is not to be isolated as part of a process to which women also have access.

iv. The decision to grant voting rights to women is not to be seen as a capitulation to the "spirit of the times" and will not lead to granting women the right to hold office in the churches, since the Scriptures are quite clear on this matter.

d. Synod decided that in worship services where no minister is available, the voturn and benediction may be said unchanged and laid upon the congregation by the elder who conducts the service. To make this clear, the elder may raise his hands in the benediction.

e. Synod decided that special services for handicapped members are permitted and useful. Deputies were appointed to prepare an inventory on what is available in this field and to make recommendations regarding general rules in this respect. The church at Zwolle­Zuid was appointed to call a minister who will give pastoral care to the deaf.

f. Synod appointed Deputies to study developments in the churches with respect to liturgy, with special attention for variation in and expansion of the liturgies and the number of Liturgical Forms. These Deputies will also investigate the desirability and possibility of expanding the present Hymn section of the Dutch Book of Praise.

g. Synod decided to continue the discussions with De Christelijk Gereformeerde Kerken "to seek ways and means to come to ecclesiastical unity." The CGK will be asked to be precise about their objections concerning the "appropriation of salvation" and the view on the "church." Synod expressed the desire that the CGK and the Gereformeerde Kerken, "who recognize in one another the will to live by God's trustworthy Word and in a sincere bond to the Reformed confession, also may indeed find one another in the experience of Word and sacrament."

Synod decided to continue the Deputies for Ecclesiastical Unity and gave an outline for the procedure of local contacts. Synod spoke of three phases in these contacts: one of exploration to see where agreement and disagreement lies, one of recognition as true churches and a pledge to work towards ecclesiastical unity (involving also the major assemblies), and a final phase of acquaintance and fellowship.

The Deputies were also given the mandate to investigate whether there are possibilities to have contact with the Nederlands Gereformeerde Kerken, and if so, in what way.

j. Synod adopted new Rules for relations with sister churches.

k. Fraternal relations were initiated/continued with the Canadian Reformed Churches, the Reformed Church in the U.S., the Free Reformed Churches of Australia, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ireland, the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, the Eglise Reformee Confessante au Zaire,

the Vrije Gereformeerde Kerke of South Africa, the Gereja­gereja Reformasi de Indonesia, La Eglesia Cristiana Fe Reformada in Venezuela, lgreja Reformada Coionia Brasolandia (Unai), the Free Reformed Churches of the Philippines, and the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Kosin).

The offer of sister church relations to the Free Church of Scotland was again extended under the new Rules.

m. It was decided to strive towards a sister church relationship with the Presbyterian Church in Eastern Australia, because this is to be recognized as a true church of the Lord.

n. Contacts will be initiated/continued and intensified with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Churches of New Zealand, the Presbyterian Association in England, the Ely Reformed Church in Cardiff, the Union des Eglises Reformees Evangeliques Independantes de France, the Greek Evangelical Church, the Iglesias Reformadas de Espana, the Eglesia Christiani Reformada in Madrid and Portugal, the Gereformeerde Kerke in South Africa, the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk in South Africa, the African Evangelical Presbyterian Church of East Africa, the Reformed Church of East Africa, the Nongo u Kristu u Ken Sudannen Tiv (Nigeria), the Gereja

gereja Masehi Musyafir, lgreja Presbyteriana do Brasil, lgreja Evangelica Reformada do Brasil, the Reformed Church in Japan, the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Korea (Hapdong), the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, the Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore, the Dutch Reformed Church in Sri Lanka, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of India.

o. The membership in the International Conference of Reformed Churches(ICRC) was continued.

a. From the correspondence and the Acts of General Synod Ommen, the Committee may gratefully conclude that the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands have shown themselves to be faithful to God's Word and have abided by the Reformed Creeds and Church Order.

b. The new Rules for sister church relationships adopted by Synod Ommen are almost literally a translation of the Rules adopted by the Canadian Reformed Churches. These Rules therefore pose no problems for the Canadian Reformed Churches, but instead show a remarkable and desired harmony for which we have pleaded in the past.

c. The decision to grant women in the churches the right to vote does not affect the relationship with the Canadian Reformed Churches, who have in the past also struggled with this matter and have not made any definite pronouncements on it, except to say that 1here is an obvious lack of consensus on this matter (Acts 1983, Art. 160, C. 1).

d. With respect to granting elders the right to extend the benediction, the question should be asked how this decision impacts on the relation between the offices, as confessed in Article 30 of the Belgic Confession, and explained in the Form for Ordination of Office Bearers. Do the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands still hold to a three­office view, and if so, what is the relation and distinction between the office of minister and the office of elder?

e. The Reformed Churches in the Netherlands show increased activity with respect to relations with churches abroad. While this is in itself quite laudable, care must be taken to consult with sister churches, especially in areas where the sister churches are actively involved (e.g. in the case of Brazil, the lgreja Presbyteriana do Brasil and lgreja Evangelica Reformada do Brasil, where also the Canadian Reformed Churches conduct mission work).

a. Gratefully to continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands according to the adopted Rules.

b. To request the CRCA to pass on to the Dutch Deputies the question concerning offices, as posed above, and to solicit a response from the Dutch churches on this matter.

1. Correspondence

a. On Jan. 25, 1993, we wrote to the FCS and informed them via the Committee on Ecumenical Relations about the decision of Synod Lincoln 1992 to invite the FCS to enter into Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the CanRC. A copy of the new Rules for this relationship was enclosed. Copies of the Acts 1992 were sent as soon as they were received.

b. A letter was received from the FCS, dated Feb. 4, 1993, in which we were informed that the General Assembly of the FCS would meet in Edinburgh from May 17 ­ 21, 1993. Since this year marked the 150th anniversary of the Disruption, special attention would be paid to this historic event. In addition, it was stated that the Committee on Ecumenical Relations had decided unanimously to recommend that the Assembly accept the invitation of the CanRC to enter into Ecclesiastical Fellowship. In light of this development, the CRCA was urged to send a delegate to the General Assembly.

The CRCA weighed this request carefully because of the expense factor and because of the synodical charge to send two delegates and an advisor to the third meeting of the ICRC in Zwolle in 1993. After further discussion by telephone with the chairman of the Committee on Ecumenical Relations, Prof. C. Graham, it was decided to delegate Dr. J. Visscher to represent the CanRC. The fact that he could also fit in a visit to Synod Ommen of the RCN influenced the CRICAs decision.

c, On Feb. 8, 1994, the FCS extended an invitation to the CanRC to be represented at their 1994 General Assembly. Seeing that our churches had been represented in 1993, it was decided not to delegate anyone but to send a letter of best wishes. On June 2, 1994, the FCS wrote expressing appreciation for the fraternal greetings received.

The General Assembly met from May 17 ­ 21, 1993, in Edinburgh. Some of the highlights include:

a. Pri nci pal ­Emeritus Clement Graham was elected as the Moderator. Years before he had also served in this office and the fact that he was elected for a second time (a most unusual thing!) reflects the honour and esteem that is accorded him for his many years of faithful labour in the Free Church.

b. The FCS decided to recommend the Reformed Church in the United States, the Free Reformed Church in North America and the Free Church of Central India for membership in the ICRC.

C..The Assembly accepted with gladness a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the Canadian Reformed Churches in accordance with the agreed upon Rules.

d. Time was also set aside for the Assembly to give proper attention to the 150th Anniversary of the Disruption.

e. The Assembly decided to exhort Her Majesty's Government to have regard for the sanctity of the Lord's Day, as well as other moral issues.

f. A considerable amount of time was also spent on the matter of Church Extension work.

g. Since the closure, amalgamation and start­up of new churches fails under the work of the Assembly, several matters had to be dealt with. In addition, the sale and purchase of church property and manses also involves the Assembly, along with the local congregations affected.

h. The Thursday evening of the week that the Assembly meets is customarily devoted to matters of foreign mission. The report of the Board was received and representatives from the mission fields in India, Peru and South Africa spoke.

The General Assembly met from May 23 ­ 27,1994, in Edinburgh. Some of the highlights were:

a. The Assembly entered into a sister church relationship with the Reformed Churches (Liberated) in the Netherlands in accordance with the agreed Rules.

b. The Assembly accepted a report from the Finance, Law and Advisory Committee which contained new regulations for sick leave and leaves of absences by ministers, missionaries and professors. It also passed a supplement as to how disciplinary matters should be handled before the courts of the Church.

c. A report was received from the Committee on Public Questions, Religion and Morals. This Committee makes representation to the government in moral matters. A report was also received from the Committee on Church Extension. It drew the attention of the Assembly to places where there are encouraging signs of church growth, to home missionaries, and to efforts that needed assistance.

d. A special committee appointed to visit and examine the workings of the Free Church College in Edinburgh tendered a report that included a number of proposals for change in the exams, semesters, and placement of students.

It was decided that students who have completed the first year of the three year course and students who have completed the second year of the four year course, shall be placed with an experienced minister for a period of six weeks. The programme for the student's placement is to be set out by the minister in consultation with the Kirk Session. Both the minister and the Kirk Session will submit reports on the student's ability, attitude, progress, etc. to the Professor of Practical Theology. These reports will become part of a student's overall assessment.

e. In its report to the Assembly the Committee on Assembly Arrangements and Ecumenical Relations commented on the ICRC meeting in Zwolle as follows: "Probably the most encouraging feature of the whole Conference was the obvious development of respect and trust between the participating Churches. There was a total lack of the confrontation which had featured occasionally in previous Conferences. Differences of viewpoint emerged from time to time but were always expressed in a pacific manner appreciative of the position of others. For example, though the Free Church representatives were not won over to the idea of replacing preaching from the Scriptures with preaching from the Catechism, we were persuaded that our Church should make much more use of the Westminster Catechism as a teaching tool."

f. In its report the Visitation Committee to the Free Church College stated, It is our conviction that we should as a Church be profoundly thankful for the fact that we have our own theological training establishment. One of the plainest lessons of past years in some other denominations is that when churches give up control over the appointment of their professors they virtually hand over the training of their future ministers to outsiders." It added, "We should as a Church be grateful for the fact that our College has been held in esteem world­wide as a school in which Calvinism has been taught with love and conviction. Such establishments are comparatively rare in our modern world. For this reason it is all the more important that we should appreciate the work of Professors and make their service to Jesus Christ a matter of constant prayer. Professors need to show the highest examples of theological and personal integrity and inspire in their students a life­long love of the gospel in all its richness and fullness."

On the basis of the above, we may conclude that the FCS continues to be faithful to the Word of God, to its confessional standards and to its church government.

5. Recommendation

Your Committee recommends to General Synod 1995 that Ecclesiastical Fellowship be continued with the Free Church of Scotland in accordance with the adopted Rules.

VIII. THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES IN SOUTH AFRICA (FRCSA)

1. Correspondence

a. On Jan. 25, 1993, the FRCSA were informed about the decisions of Synod Lincoln 1992 that had a direct bearing on our mutual relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship. A copy of the new Rules for this relationship was enclosed. When the Acts 1992 appeared, copies were sent to the South African churches.

Seeing that Synod had mandated the CRCA to investigate the Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA), we asked the South African deputies for information on these churches, as well as for their evaluation.

b. On March 3, 1993, a letter was sent to us by the South African deputies thanking us for our previous letter and stating that they saw no problems with our new Rules. Furthermore, they said that they might propose similar Rules to Synod Johannesburg 1994.

They also urged the CRCA to organize another workshop on rules for interchurch relations at the forthcoming meeting of the ICRC in the hope that all reformed and presbyterian churches would as yet adopt exactly the same rules. The CRCA decided that sufficient progress had been made on this matter and that there was little to be gained by organizing yet another workshop.

As far as information and evaluation about the RCSA was concerned, the South African deputies referred us to the forthcoming Acts of Synod Pretoria 1992.

c. The deputies of the FRCSA sent us another communication on Jan. 18, 1994, in which they notified us of the convocation of Synod Johannesburg on May 4, 1994. The CRCA did not feel free to send a delegate to South Africa in view of the planned Australian visit and hence greetings were conveyed via the post office. Special mention was made of the political difficulties being experienced in the nation of South Africa, and in the Free Reformed Churches due to the high number of ministerial vacancies.

d. On May 11, 1994, we received two copies of the report of the South African deputies to the Synod Johannesburg 1994. In this report the Deputies ask Synod for a mandate to study and recommend the new Rules adopted by the Canadian and Dutch churches.

From the "Handelinge" we pass on:

a. A sister church relationship will be continued with the Free Reformed Churches of Australia, the Canadian Reformed Churches and the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands.

b. Synod decided to continue Ecclesiastical Contact with the Reformed Churches in Sumba/Savu, the Presbyterian Church in Korea, and the Free Church of Southern Africa.

c. Synod appointed delegates to examine the possibilities of a theological training for members of the FRCSA at Potchefstroom University.

d. Synod appointed deputies to select 50 hymns from the "Afrikaanse Koraalboek" to serve as an addition to the Psalms sung in the worship services.

e. Synod expressed a preference for the 1933/53 Bible translation, but also allowed the usage of the New African Bible for study purposes.

f. Synod re­evaluated the contacts with the Reformed Churches in South Africa. After concluding that the FRCSA and the Reformed Churches in South Africa recognize Scripture as the infallible Word of God, accept the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed and the Three Forms of Unity, have a similar Church Order and Subscription Form, Synod decided that it was time for new initiatives, possibly leading to recognition.

On the basis of the above, we may conclude that the FRCSA continues to be faithful to God's Word, to the confessions and to the adopted Church Order.

4. Recommendation

Your Committee recommends to General Synod 1995 that Ecclesiastical Fellowship be continued with the Free Reformed Churches in South Africa in accordance with the adopted Rules.

IX. THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF REFORMED CHURCHES (ICRC)

1. Context

The Canadian Reformed Churches are one of the founding members of the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC). Delegates were sent to the 1982 Constituent Assembly which met in Groningen, the Netherlands, to the first official meeting which was held in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1985, to the second meeting which was held in Langley, B.C., in 1989, and to the third meeting which was held in Zwolle, the Netherlands, in 1993. This third meeting was to have taken place in Seoul, Korea, however, since their facilities were not ready, it was shifted to Zwolle, and held there from Sept. 1 ­ 9, 1993.

2. Correspondence

a. On Dec. 14, 1992, a letter was sent to us by the ICRC Secretary, the Rev. M. van Beveren, stating that churches applying for admission needed to have two sponsors and that due to their limited contacts, the Free Reformed Church of North America (FRCNA) and the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) had difficulty obtaining two sponsors. He asked whether the CRCA was prepared to sponsor these two churches.

On Dec. 14, 1992, the Rev. C. Pronk wrote us on behalf of the FRCNA and asked if the CanRC would be willing to recommend the FRCNA for membership in the ICRC.

Earlier on March 16, 1992, the FICUS had made a similar request to the CRCA.

b. On Jan. 26, 1993, we informed both the FRCNA and the RCUS that the CRCA disagreed with the ICRC Secretary's interpretation of the Constitution and that the two letters of recommendation mentioned refer to churches desiring to send observers to the meetings of the ICRC. In order to avoid having these two churches caught in the middle of a matter of constitutional interpretation, however, the CRCA decided to give both churches a qualified recommendation. In our letters of recommendation to the Secretary of the ICRC we made clear that no official relationship existed between the CanRC and either the FRCNA or the RCUS. We based our qualified recommendation on local contacts between our churches and the two applying churches. We mentioned the fact that the FRCNA sends its students for the ministry to our Theological College and that Synod Lincoln 1992 decided that we had sufficient confidence in the RCUS to approach them with a view to establishing Ecclesiastical Fellowship.

c. On April 27 and May 22, 1993, the Secretary informed us that contrary to some reports the PCK is not a member of a new organization called the International Reformed Fellowship. He also sent a provisional agenda for the 1993 ICRC meeting in Zwolle.

d. On Feb. 8, 1994, the Secretary wrote seeking input from the CanFIC in the matter of regional conferences. The CRCA is of the opinion that unless a specific need can be cited, there is little justification for such regional conferences.

e. On Nov. 7, 1994, the Secretary sent us a ICRC Newsletter informing us of the new Mission Newsletter, the fact that the ICRC member churches in Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands were planning a regional conference for 1995, and plans for the next meeting of the ICRC in Seoul, Korea.

f. On Jan. 4, 1995, the Secretary told us that the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA) had a submitted a proposal to amend Art. Ill, sub 1, of the ICRC Constitution. The FRCA proposes to change the statement ',to express and promote the unity of faith that the member churches have in Chrisf' to 1o express and promote unity in the reformed faith which the member churches confess."

The decisions of Synod 1992 on the ICRC indicate that the Canadian Reformed Churches are satisfied with the present formulation and therefore the CRCA recommends that no further changes be entertained and supported.

The Secretary also informed us that the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) is applying for membership in the Conference, and that a paper presented at the Zwolle meeting has been translated into French and will be available soon.

a. For specific details of this meeting we refer you to the Proceedings of the International Conference of Reformed Churches. (September 1 ­ 9, 1993, in Zwolle, the Netherlands)

b. Our delegates to this meeting were Rev. Cl. Stam and Dr. J. Visscher, with Dr. N.H. Gootjes as advisor. Dr. J. Faber was also present as Convener of the Committee on Theological Affirmation. Rev. M. van Beveren and br. H.A. Berends also attended as Corresponding Secretary and Treasur respectively.

Prof. Gooties contributed a paper on the subject of "Catechism Preaching".

In view of some editorial comments made in the 1994 Yearbook of the Can- RC, it should be noted that the Canadian Reformed Churches paid directly for the travelling expenses of their two delegates and their one advisor. The other three participants either paid their own way or had their way paid by the Conference.

c. The following churches were received as new members:

­ the Free Church of Central India;
­ the Free Reformed Church of North America;
­ the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (USA);
­ the Reformed Church in the United States.
This brings the membership in the ICRC to 15.

d. The Conference accepted a proposal from the Finance Committee'lo assess each member Church, with the understanding that no member Church would bear more than 49% of the assessment." (Proceedings, 28:1)

e. The next meeting of the Conference has been scheduled for Seoul, Korea.The commencement date will be D.V. August 20, 1997.

Generally speaking, CanRC participation benefited our delegates, advisor, and members and was well received by the other participants. The papers delivered stimulated much constructive discussion. During the plenary sessions and especially during the intermissions, there were many opportunities to learn more about the struggles and difficulties that exist in the member Churches. It was good to hear not only about hardships, but also to hear and observe that the Lord in His grace gathers His Church in many different places in the world. The ICRC provides an excellent forum for sharing experiences and knowledge, and so acts as another means to promote the Church gathering work of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

5. Recommendations

a. Your Committee recommends that the Canadian Reformed Churches continue to participate in the ICRC and that the CRCA submit a report to General Synod 1998 containing its findings and evaluation.

b. Your Committee recommends that the Canadian Reformed Churches be represented at the next meeting of the Conference scheduled to take place in Korea during the month of August in the year of our Lord 1997.

c. Your Committee also recommends that Dr. J. Visscher and Rev. C. VanSpronsen be sent as voting delegates and that in view of his familiarity with the language and customs of Korea, Dr. N.H. Gootjes be appointed as advisor.

1. Correspondence

a. On Jan. 25, 1993, the CRCA informed the FICUS that Synod 1992 had charged us to investigate the RCUS with a view to entering into Ecclesiastical Fellowship. We requested that appropriate documents be sent in order that we might be able to commence work on this mandate. Some weeks later the FICUS sent us a large box filled with the material requested.

b. On Jan. 25, 1993, we also supplied the RCUS with a letter of qualified recommendation to accompany their application for membership in the ICRC.

In an accompanying letter we informed the RCUS that such a letter was not really required according to our interpretation of the Constitution of the ICRC. In addition, we informed them that our recommendation would need to be somewhat qualified seeing that as yet no official relationship existed between the CanRIC and the RCUS.

On Feb. 1, 1993, the Canadian Reformed Church at Carman wrote and asked advice on how it might continue its contact with the RCUS seeing that the CRCA had now been mandated by Synod to involve itself. The CRCA has no intention of discouraging the local contacts of the Church at Carman, but as to what form such contacts should take must be left in the freedom of the Church at Carman to decide.

d. On Feb. 3, 1993, the RCUS invited the CIRCA to send an observer to its 247th Synod to be held in Sutton, Nebraska, from May 24 ­ 27, 1993. The CRCA delegated the Rev. E. Kampen to act as the CanRIC observer.

e. On March 16, 1994, the RCUS invited the CRCA to send an observer to its 248th Synod to be held in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, from May 16 ­ 19, 1994. The CRCA delegated Mr. A. Nap to act as the CanFIC observer.

f. On July 11, 1994, we received two copies of the 1994 Abstract of the 248th Synod.

In order to carry out its mandate, the CRICA decided

a. to appoint a sub­committee consisting of the brs. E. Kampen, A. Nap and C. VanSpronsen. This Committee indicated which areas needed discussion with the FICUS. It also studied in detail the Constitution of the FICUS. Some of their findings are included under the next section (see Consideration c);

b. to delegate both the Rev. E. Kampen and Mr. A. Nap as observers to successive Synods of the FICUS. In this way different impressions could be formed and added information and insight received. The reports of both brothers are appended and contain valuable data about the RCUS;

c. to organize a meeting with members from the InterChurch Relations Committee and the "Study and Defend FICUS Ecclesiology Committee" of the FICUS. The intent of this meeting between representatives of the CanRIC and the FICUS would be to gain further understanding of the history, confession and life of our respective churches. At the time that this Report is being finalized, a date and place for such a meeting has yet to be established.

a. Rev. F.H. Walker visited Synod Lincoln 1992. In a part of his report to the RCUS Synod 1993 (Sutton) he complained about "overly critical and often inaccurate reports." He preferred to wait for further developments in contacts between the Can RC and the OPC before establishing official contact with the Can RC.

b. Rev. E. Kampen visited the 1993 RCUS Synod on behalf of the CRCA In his contacts and speeches he followed up the discussion items identified by the sub­committee. These are:

­- the doctrinal standards in the RCUS;

-­ the Constitution of the RCUS;

-- ecclesiology;

-- inter­church relations.

C.

From a report of our Sub­committee to study the Constitution of the FICUS we quote:

"Preliminary Remark:

The Committee discussed for some time to what extent we are expected to discuss the basic structures of the Constitution in as far as they resemble those of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and have already been evaluated and not found to be an obstacle to recognition as a true Church. Do we start from the assumption that the Presbyterian church polity as such is not an impediment to establish ecclesiastical fellowship? If so, several points ... ought to be presented to their committee for further discussion and clarification."

General Comments:

1. It appears that this Constitution is a remarkable blend of Reformed and Presbyterian church polity. In its general make­up it does, however, give the impression of being more presbyterian than reformed. Presbyterian concepts are given reformed names: consistory, classis, synod, instead of session, presbytery and general assembly but function in a similar manner as under the presbyterian system....

6. The place of the Heidelberg Catechism is prominent. The Constitution stresses knowledge of and adherence to this confession for all members.

7. Their ecclesiology shows in the manner of receiving ministers into their communion from other "Orthodox Protestant Churches" (art. 5, 74) as well as at the table of the Lord. What are "other branches of the Christian Church" (art. 4)? What are other denominations "holding the essential doctrines of the Gospel" whose members should be invited to participate in the Holy Supper (art. 189)? Is the pluriformity one of being more or less pure or a matter of different historical/ethnic origins?"

d. Br. A. Nap visited the 1994 RCUS Synod (Manitowoc). He reported that the RCUS adopted the Belgic Confession of Faith and the Canons of Dort as additional confessional standards.

The CRCA expresses deep thankfulness for this decision.

e. The 1994 RCUS Synod appointed a committee to study and defend the Reformed Church in the United States "view of Church Government and Form of Government." This committee expects to present a final report in May, 1995. Included in this report will be:

"1. An overview of the Canadian Reformed Churches'Church Order;

2. An exegetical study on women voting in the congregational meeting;

3. An exegetical study of the 'one true church' concept;

4. An exegetical study of the idea that the local congregation is not a judicatory;

5. A search of our denominational Constitution as to the idea of judicatory."

Your Committee recommends that General Synod 1995 renew the mandate of the CRCA to continue its investigation of the Reformed Church in the United States with a view to entering into Ecclesiastical Fellowship according to the adapted Rules.

Xl. THE REFORMED CHURCH IN QUEBEC (ERQ)

1. Correspondence

a. On June 23, 1994, the Church at Ottawa adopted in principle an extensive report on the Eglise Reformee du Quebec (for our purposes and in keeping with the rest of our report we translate this name as follows: the Reformed Church of Quebec and we abbreviate this name as: EF(Q) and decided to send it as an overture to Classis Ontario North of the Canadian Reformed Churches.

b. On July 11, 1994, the ERQ wrote the CRCA informing us that in March of 1994 the EF1Q decided to begin talks with the CanRC in order to seek an official relationship. To that end two deputies from the ERQ visited with the Consistory of the Canadian Reformed Church at Ottawa. After a positive discussion, it was decided to prepare an overture asking for Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the CanRC. The text of the overture was completed and accepted by the Consistory of the CanRC at Ottawa.

On June 16, 1994 the Synod of the EF1Q expressed the need for more time before coming to the CanRC with an official request for Ecclesiastical Fellowship. As a result, the Synod of the ERO decided to invite two representatives from the CanRC to be present at the next Synod of the ERO to be held in Montreal on Sept. 16 and 17, 1994. As representatives they invited the Rev. J.L. VanPopta of the Church at Ottawa to be present and they also requested the CRCA to send one of its members.

c. On Sept. 5, 1994, the CRCA informed the ERQ that it could not send a member of the CRCA because none were available. It had, however, found the Rev. C. Bosch of the Canadian Reformed Church of Burlington­South, Ontario, willing and able to accompany the Rev. J.L. VanPopta to the September Synod of the ERQ.

It should also be mentioned that from the very beginning the CRCA questioned and debated whether or not this was really a matter for our Committee seeing that, as our name indicates, we are to deal with "churches abroad" i.e. foreign churches.

d. Subsequent to his visit, the Rev. C. Bosch sent us a report of his visit which we have appended for your consideration. In his recommendation he requests the CRCA to send a delegation to visit the ERQ as soon as possible and to submit a report of this visit to the churches.

e. On Nov. 21, 1994, the Rev. P. Bedard, the deputy of the ERO appointed to develop relations with the CanRC, wrote us and asked for additional information on the CanRC. The requested information was sent.

On Dec. 14, 1994, the Church at Ottawa informed us that Classis Ontario North had gone on record as stating that 1he information provided by the church at Ottawa demonstrates that VEglise Reformee du Quebec can be recognized as a true Church of Christ. Therefore Classis requests Synod 1995 to respond to the request of VER0 by mandating the Committee on Relations with Churches Abroad to intensify and confirm the contact initiated by the church at Ottawa with a view to entering a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship."

2. Considerations

a. Your Committee is impressed with the extensive submission prepared by the Church at Ottawa and appreciated the invitation received from the. ERO to send an observer to its September Synod. It also appreciated the willingness of the Rev. C. Bosch to represent the CRCA and is grateful for his report. Furthermore, it is thankful that Classis Ontario North could come to its above­mentioned statement.

b. At the same time the CRCA is of the opinion that while it had a right to respond positively to the request of the ERQ to send an observer to its September Synod (cf. Acts 1992, Art. 112), it could not do more than that without receiving instructions from General Synod. As a result, we did not feel free to arrange an official visit to the ERQ and to commence a formal investigation.

c. The CRCA has been urged to initiate such an investigation also because of the immediate needs of the ERQ; however, we are of the opinion that many of the needs of the ERO can be responded to positively by the CanRC even if there is as yet no formal relationship between our respective church federations.

Your Committee makes no recommendation in this matter but awaits further instruction, if any, from General Synod 1995.

XII. OTHER REQUESTS

A. The Reformed Church in Zaire (RCZ)

1. Correspondence

a. On Jan. 15, 1993, the Reformed Church in Zaire wrote to the CRCA requesting close relations with the CanRC and asking us to pay a visit to Zaire. This Church also requested that missionaries from Canada be sent to work in Zaire.

b. On Jan. 25, 1993, we wrote to the Reformed Church in Zaire as per instruction of General Synod 1992 asking it to supply us with information regarding its confessional position, church government, number of congregations and ministers, ecumenical relations, etc. We also asked in what way it differed from the Eglise Reformee Confessante au Zaire (ERCZ).

c. On April 30, 1994, we received another letter from the Moderator of the RCZ, the Rev. P.H. Kazadi Lukonda Ngube­l\lgube, in which he stated that the RCZ was different from the ERCZ, although they will probably have fellowship in the future. He said that the ERCZ has the Belgic Confession but not the Canons of Dort, whereas, the RCZ is based on the Ecumenical Creeds and the Three Forms of Unity.

Rev. Ngube­Ngube stated that he founded the RCZ four years after his return from Zambia where he received his theological training in the Reformed Church in Zambia. The government of his church, he said, is based on the synodical system of synods, presbyteries and consistories. In addition, there are presently 70 congregations, 17 pastors and candidates who will be ordained at a meeting held from June 22 to July 3, 1994. He again expressed a desire to have a relationship with the CanFIC and invited us to visit. He also reiterated an earlier request for missionaries. He would like us to send publications and videos tapes of CanRC life.

d. On May 23, 1994, Rev. Ngube­Ngube wrote us again informing us that an economic crisis existed in his country and asking us to send money for food.

e. On Aug. 17, 1994, Rev. Ngube­Ngube sent us another letter asking us to participate in the first General Assembly of the RCZ to be held on June 25, 1995 and to assist in the food costs for the 200 expected participants.

We decided not to send an immediate reply but to wait for information about the RCZ from Rev. Kishimba of the ERCZ. (See Appendix: "From Manitowoc and Luburribash!" by Mr. A. Nap)

a. It is obvious that the RCZ, through its representative the Rev. NgubeNgube, continues to persist in their request for a relationship with the CanRC, as well as for missionaries and financial assistance.

b. As CRCA we find it very difficult to respond to these requests in a positive way seeing that none of our normal contacts are familiar with the RCZ. Furthermore, we have been informed that our sister churches in the Netherlands, the FICN, has Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the ERCZ, as does the FICUS.

c. At the moment we are awaiting information from other sources about the RCZ, and about the relationship between the RCZ and the ERCZ.

d. Our cautious approach in this matter is caused by our well­established procedure of careful investigation before entering into an official relationship with another church.

Your Committee recommends that the CRCA be mandated to continue its investigation and report to the next General Synod on its findings with respect to the Reformed Church in Zaire.

B. The Reformed Presbyterian Church ­ General Assembly (RPCGA)

1. Correspondence

a. On May 11, 1993, we received a letter from the Rev. G.W. Donnan, Chairman of the Committee on Ecumenicity of the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly requesting that ecclesiastical contact be established between the RPCGA and the CanRC.

b. On Feb. 28, 1994, we received another letter from the RPCGA reiterating their previous request and informing us that their federation consists of nine congregations and 500 members. They also asked d the CanRC would be prepared to recommend them for membership in the ICRC seeing that we had done the same for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

c. On March 28,1994, we responded to the letter of the F1PCGA by requesting additional information about their churches.

d. On April 23,1994, we received additional information from the F1PCGA.This information included a list of names of congregations, ministers, and membership figures for each local church. A very informative book called The Book of Church Order was included. In addition, the RPCW informed us of its hopes of developing closer relations with the OPC, RCUS, Independent CRC of Nicaragua, the Evangelical Reformed Church of Russia, the RCN (Vrijgernaakt) and a long list of other reformed and presbyterian churches around the world. Also, they sent observers to the meeting of the ICRC in Zwolle and to the Alliance of Reformed Churches.They are also in contact with North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC).

e. On April 24, 1994, the F1PCGA invited the CRCA to send an observer to their General Assembly to be held on July 26, 1994, in LouisAlle, Nebraska.

f. On Oct. 24, 1994, we informed the RPCGA that we had been unable to send an observer to their General Assembly.

a. At the present time we are still studying the material sent to us by the F1PCGA. In addition, we are asking for information about the F1PCGA from our sister churches and from other contacts in the USA.

b. When the F1PCGA stated that we recommended the OPC for membership in the ICRC, they were mistaken. We issued qualified recommendations for the Free Reformed Church in North America and the Reformed Church in the United States.

c. In all honesty the CRCA is a bit taken aback by the membership figures supplied by the RPCGA and wonders how congregations of 8­10, 20, 25, 30 members can be viable and support a pastor. It is also astonished at the extensive ecumenical plans of this small federation.

Your Committee recommends the CRCA be mandated to continue its investigation and report to the next General Synod on its findings with respect to the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly.

XIII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT 1993­1994 AND BUDGET 1995­1998

General Synod 1992 charged the CRCA to present a financial statement and budget to General Synod 1995.

With respect to the Financial Statement, the Church for the General Fund (the Church at Carman) has informed the CRCA that in the period 1993 ­ 1994 a total of $14,052.98 was spent. The major expenses related to:

the visit to the FRC of Australia...............................$5,048.44
the meeting of the ICRC...........................................$2,542.00 (approx.)
ICRC membership fee..............................................$1,896.30
the visits to the RCUS...............................................$1,600.00(approx.)
the visit to FICN and FCS ........................................$1,500.00(approx.)

With respect to a Budget for 1995­1998
ICRC fees ...................................................................$2,500.00
the meeting of the ICRC in Korea.............................$4,000.00
meeting with the RCUS..............................................$1,500.00
misc. ............................................................................$4,000.00
.....................................................................................$12,000.00

XIV. RE­APPOINTMENT

The Rev. Cl. Stam has requested the CRCA to inform General Synod 1995 that he not be re­appointed for personal reasons. As Committee we would like to express our thanks to Rev. Cl. Stam for the work that he has done as a member of the Committee and for the Churches.

Respectfully submitted by your Committee,
January 13, 1995

Elder H. A. Berends
Dr. S.H. DeBoer
Rev. E. Kampen
Elder A. Nap
Rev. Cl. Stam
Dr. J. Vanderstoep
Rev. C. VanSpronsen
Dr. J. Visscher (convener)

List of Abbreviations:

CanRC = Canadian Reformed Churches

CRCA = Committee on Relations with Churches Abroad

EPCI = Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ireland

ERCS = Evangelical Reformed Church of Singapore

ERCZ = Confessing Reformed Church in Zaire

ERO = Reformed Churches in Quebec

FRCA = Free Reformed Churches in Australia

FCS = Free Church of Scotland

FRCNA = Free Reformed Churches of North America

FRCP = Free Reformed Churches of the Philippines

FRCSA = Free Reformed Churches in South Africa

ICRC = International Conference of Reformed Churches

NAPARC North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council

OPC = Orthodox Presbyterian Church

PCEA = Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia

PCK = Presbyterian Church in Korea

RCA = Reformed Churches of Australia

MN = Reformed Churches in the Netherlands

RCNZ = Reformed Church of New Zealand

RCSA = Reformed Churches in South Africa

RCSTS = Reformed Churches of Sumba­Timor­Savu

RCUS = Reformed Church in the United States

RCZ = Reformed Churches in Zaire

RPCGA = Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly

RPCI = Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland

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APPENDICES TO REPORT OF THE CRCA..

1. Visit to the 247th Synod of the Reformed Church in the U.S.A. by Rev. E. Kampen
(Clarion, July 16,1993)

2. Address to the Synod of the RCUS by Rev. E. Kampen

3. Third Meeting of the ICRC. by Rev. Cf. Stam (Clarion, Oct, 22, 1993)

4, Meeting of the delegates of the Presbyterian Church of Korea and the Canada
Reformed Churches by Rev. Cf. Stam
(Clarion, Oct. 22, 1993)

5. A Visit to the Netherlands and Scotland by Rev. J. Visscher (Clarion, Year End issue 1993 and March 11, 1994)

6. Address to Synod Ommen of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands by Rev. d. Visscher

7. The New Rules for Sister Church Relations in the Reformed Churches of the Netherlands adopted by Synod Ommen 1991

8. Address to the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland by Rev. J. Visscher (Clarion, March 11, 1994)

9. Responding to a Plea: Report on a visit to the Synod of the Free Reformed Churches of Australia held in Byford, WA, by Rev. E. Kampen. (Clarion, Sept. 9 and 23,1994)

10. Addresses to Synod Byford of the FRCA by Rev. E. Kampen

11. Manitowoc Wisconsin) and Lubumbashi (Zaire) by Mr. A. Nap (Clarion, Year End lssue 1994)

12. Visit to the ERQ (Sept. 16, 17, 1994) by Rev. C. Bosch.

13. Letters Regarding ICRC Membership:


i. Dec. 3, 1992, from the ICRC Secretary
ii. Dec, 14,1992, from the External Relations Committee of the FRCNA
iii. Jan. 26, 1993, to the ICPC Secretary
iv. Jan. 26, 1993, to the External Refations Committee of the FRCNA
v. March 16,1992, from the interchurch Rektions Committee of the RCUS
vi. Jan, 26, 1993, to the ICRC Secretary
vii. Jan. 25, 1993, to the fnterchurch Relations Committee of the RCUS


 

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