Office Bearers

GS 2025 Article 86 – RCNZ (Reformed Churches of New Zealand)

1.   Material

  • 1.1    Committee for Ecumenical Relations (CER) Report 20: Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ) (8.2.10.20).

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. 146) decided:
    • [3.1] To continue the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) with the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ) under the adopted rules;
    • [3.2] To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
      • [3.2.1] To express appreciation for the ongoing cooperation with the RCNZ in the mission in Papua New Guinea;
      • [3.2.2] To send a delegation to the next RCNZ Synod;
      • [3.2.3] To submit its report to the churches six months prior to the convening of the next general synod;
    • [3.3] To take note that the different structures of the RCNZ and the CanRC for the material support of emeritus ministers complicates the transfer of ministers between the CanRC and RCNZ, as it also does between the CanRC and the FRCSA. The material support for emeritus ministers is beyond the jurisdiction of a general synod and thus beyond the scope of the CER.
  • 3.2    From the CER report, the following:
    • 3.2.1    Synod-RCNZ 2024 decided to continue its sister church relationship with the CanRC and to send a delegate to GS 2025.
    • 3.2.2    There continues to be good unity with the CanRC on missions, particularly in Papua-New Guinea.
    • 3.2.3    The RCNZ demonstrates a determination to remain a faithful church within the confines of Scripture and confessions allowing for a unity in the faith with a diversity of practice.
  • 3.3    The CER recommends synod decide:
    • 3.3.1    To express appreciation for the ongoing cooperation with the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ) in the mission in Papua New Guinea;
    • 3.3.2    To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) Category A with the RCNZ according to the adopted rules;
    • 3.3.3    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
      • 3.3.3.1   To submit its report on its activities with respect to the RCNZ to the churches 6 months prior to the convening of the next general synod.

4.   Considerations

  • 4.1    The Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ) continues to display the marks of a true and faithful church of Jesus Christ. Given frequent interaction and a shared recent history, a close relationship between the CanRC and the RCNZ is mutually beneficial.

5.   Recommendations

That Synod decide:

  • 5.1    To express appreciation for the ongoing cooperation with the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ) in the mission in Papua New Guinea;
  • 5.2    To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) Category A with the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ) according to the adopted rules;
  • 5.3    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
    • 5.3.1    To send a delegation to meetings of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ) Synod every 3 years;
    • 5.3.2    To submit its report on its activities with respect to the RCNZ to the churches no later than six (6) months prior to the convening of the next general synod.

ADOPTED

The Chairman bade farewell to the grade 9 & 10 students from Credo Christian High School.