Office Bearers

GS 2025 Article 82 – RCUS (Reformed Church in the United States)

1.   Material

  • 1.1    Committee for Ecumenical Relations (CER) Report 9: Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) (8.2.10.9).

2.   Admissibility

  • 2.1    The report was declared admissible.
    • Grounds: It was mandated by the previous synod and was received on time.

3.   Observations

  • 3.1    GS 2022 (art. 165) decided:
    • [3.1]    To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) with the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) under the adopted rules;
    • [3.2]    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER) to submit its report to the churches six months prior to the convening of the next general synod.
  • 3.2    From the CER report, the following:
    • 3.2.1    Much appreciation is expressed officially and unofficially for the CanRC’s diligence in sending fraternal delegates to RCUS Classes and Synods;
    • 3.2.2    Discussions on differing church polity or practices happen as opportunities arise;
    • 3.2.3    The CanRC and the RCUS can effectively assist each other in a variety of ways.
  • 3.3    The CER recommends that Synod decide:
    • 3.3.1    To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) Category A with the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) according to the adopted rules;
    • 3.3.2    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER)
      • 3.3.2.1   To send delegates to meetings of the RCUS synod at least once every two years;
      • 3.3.2.2   To submit its report on its activities with respect to the RCUS to the churches 6 months prior to the convening of the next general synod.

4.   Considerations

  • 4.1    The Reformed Churches in the United States (RCUS) continues to display the marks of a true and faithful church of Jesus Christ. Given frequent interaction, a close relationship between the CanRC and the RCUS is mutually beneficial.
  • 4.2    The RCUS very much appreciates the developing relationship with the CanRC. They especially appreciate having fraternal delegates attend major assemblies.
  • 4.3    The CanRC and the RCUS can effectively assist each other via pulpit exchanges, visiting each other’s churches, participating in youth camps/conferences held by the various churches and the exchange of articles in magazines supported by church members.
  • 4.4    The RCUS synod takes place every year. To be present just once every three years could give the wrong impression of how we value the relationship. To be present every year might not be financially prudent.

5.   Recommendations

That Synod decide:

  • 5.1    To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) Category A with the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) according to the adopted rules;
  • 5.2    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
    • 5.2.1    To send delegates to meetings of the Reformed Churches in the United States (RCUS) synod at least once every two years.
    • 5.2.2    To submit its report on its activities with respect to the RCUS to the churches no later than six (6) months prior to the convening of the next general synod.

ADOPTED