Office Bearers

GS 1965 ARTICLE 70: English Translation Catechism.

The report of Advisory Committee II on proposals concerning the text of the Heidelberg Catechism, agenda items 8 I 1, 2, 3, is now read out loud. The Synod adopts the committee’s proposals in the following form:

  • A. The General Synod has taken note of:
    • 1.    The proposal of Rev. G. Van Dooren dated March 16, 1965, to appoint a study committee to examine the English translation of the Heidelberg Catechism of Dr. T. F. Torrance for its fidelity to the Scriptures and to compare it with other translations, so that if this study proves favourable, this translation could possibly replace the one currently in use.
    • 2.    The proposal of the Church at Edmonton dated June 28, 1965, to decide in accordance with the proposal of Rev. G. Van Dooren.
    • 3.    The proposal of the Church at Barrhead dated 20 September 1965, to decide in accordance with the proposal of Rev. G. Van Dooren.
    • In response to these proposals, the General Synod decides:
      • a.    To appoint a committee to study English translations of the Heidelberg Catechism as the committee considers appropriate.
      • b.    To instruct this committee to examine the most appropriate of these translations for its use of language and for its rendering of the original German and the Dutch text adopted by our Churches.
      • c.    To instruct the committee to submit a report (possibly with proposals) to the churches no later than six months before the start of the next General Synod.
  • Ground: Since the Heidelberg Catechism is primarily a textbook for the youth of the Church, it is good that the English text is as close as possible to contemporary language.
  • B. Re Rev. Van Dooren’s suggestion “that the General Synod leave it for the time being in the freedom of the Churches to use Torrance’s translation already now with the intention of becoming acquainted with this translation,” the Synod decides not to take a decision.” [1]

Press Release version ARTICLE 15: English Text Catechism

Re: the English Text of the Heidelberg Catechism Synod decides to appoint a Committee to study English translations of the Heidelberg Catechism, and to compare those deemed most suited and examine them on their merits of language and their being in accordance with the original German text and the Dutch text which has been accepted by the Canadian Reformed Churches.

This decision is made because the Heidelberg Catechism as a document used in the instruction of the youth of the Church and the language of our Creeds should be as close to the daily language as will be possible.

A report is to be sent to the Churches six months before next Synod.

[1] Translator: There is no opening quotation mark for this closing quotation mark.