GS 1968 ARTICLE 171
Committee II on Requirement Ecclesiastical Examinations presents:
Materials:
- a. Overture of the Church at Burlington Ont., III,37 sub 5;
- b. Request of the Church at London, Ont., IV, 12.
Observations:
- 1. Both Churches propose to adopt the following rule:
- “To be admitted to the ecclesiastical examinations Theological students must admit to the Assembly which is going to examine them a Certificate issued by the Teaching Staff of our Seminary.”
- 2. The Church at London proposes to add, “which proves that they followed the courses of our own Seminary”.
Considerations:
- 1. Synod Carman 1958 differentiated between those who studied at the Theological College of our Netherlands sister-churches, and those who studied elsewhere, Acts. Art. 151.
- 2. Synod Hamilton 1962 did not bring about a change, Acts Art. 23, 97,V.
- 3. Synod Edmonton 1965 did not do so either: the Acts make no mention of this matter.
- 4. The wording of the decision of Synod 1958 might give the impression as if, once the Churches can be provided with candidates who studied at our own College, it would be impossible for others to be admitted to the Ecclesiastical Examinations.
- 5. It is therefore advisable to change the wording.
Recommendation:
Synod decide
To be admitted to the ecclesiastical examinations candidates shall submit proof that they have completed their studies at our own Theological College. Candidates who took their theological training at other institutions shall present a Certificate issued by the Staff of the Theological College of the Canadian Reformed Churches stating that they have followed and/or complemented a course of studies conforming with the training provided by the Theological College of the Canadian Reformed Churches.