Office Bearers

GS 1965 ARTICLE 204: Letter D.P. Dijkhuis

Discussion of the advisory committee’s proposals on the letter referred to in Article 176(200) continues. The following decision is taken:

“The General Synod has taken note of a letter from Br. D.P. Dijkhuis of Grand Rapids, Mich., U.S.A., dated November 17, 1965.

The Synod observes

  • 1.    that the agenda of the General Synod was adopted on November 4, 1965 (Acts Article 7)
  • 2.    that, according to Br. Dijkhuis’s letter, the reply to the appeal submitted by him to the Regional Synod came into his possession on November 17, 1965.

The Synod considers

  • that it has been impossible for Mr Dijkhuis to announce a possible appeal before the adoption of the agenda of the Synod.

The Synod decides

  • As yet to deal with the letter from Br D.P. Dijkhuis of Grand Rapids, November 17, 1965 and received on November 22, 1965.
  • The Synod observes that the letter referred to in Article 176, 200 of the Acta is not an appeal, but merely contains a request for assistance, which the Synod cannot respond to without exceeding its jurisdiction as an appellate body.
  • The brother will be informed of this.”

Press Release version ARTICLE 39: Letter D.P. Dijkhuis

Re: Letter from Br D.P. Dijkhuis, of Grand Rapids, Mich., U.S.A. The following decision is made.

“The General Synod has taken cognizance of a letter from Br D.P. Dijkhuis of Grand Rapids, Mich., U.S.A., d.d. November 17, 1965.

Synod states:

  • 1.    that the definite agenda of the General Synod was adopted November 4, 1965 (See Dutch Text of the Acts, Article 7);
  • 2.    that according to Br Dijkhuis’ letter the, answer to his objections, submitted by him to the Particular Synod, came into his possession on November 17, 1965.

Synod considers:

  • that it was impossible for Br Dijkhuis to announce an eventual appeal before the definite adoption of the agenda by Synod.

Synod decides:

  • as yet to discuss the letter from Br D.P. Dijkhuis of Grand Rapids, d.d. November 17, 1965, and received November 22, 1965.

Synod states:

  • that the letter of Br D.P. Dijkhuis is not a letter of appeal, but only contains a request for help; into which Synod cannot enter without going beyond its authority as an appeal-resort.
  • This brother shall be informed accordingly.”