GS 1974 ARTICLE 37 – Reformed Ecumenical Synod
Advisory Committee IV presents:
MATERIALS:
- 1. Invitation by General Secretary “Reformed Ecumenical Synod”, dated October 19, 1971, and addressed to “Canadian Reformed Church, Rev. G. VanDooren”,
- – to send an “official observer” to their August 1972 Synod in Australia (Pl).
- 2. Reply sent by Rev. G. VanDooren, November 1971 (P. 2).
OBSERVATIONS:
- 1. Similar invitations have been received before but could never be dealt with because they did not reach the proper address of a General Synod in time.
- 2. The role of an “official observer” (which is under revision) is, according to the R.E.S. Constitution,
- “Official observers are brethren whose denominations have not yet seen fit to send regular delegates, but whose Churches have an interest in the cause and meetings of the Synod. Such official observers shall not have the right to vote but receive the privilege of the floor to serve Synod with their advice and to express their opinions . . . They shall also be required to express their agreement with the doctrinal Basis of the Ecumenical Synod.”
CONSIDERATIONS:
- 1. Similar invitations may be expected in the future.
- 2. General Synod New Westminster, 1971 (Acts Article 92, page 44) rightly saw membership of the R.E.S. as an impediment to enter into correspondence with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
- 3. The R.E.S. has among its member Churches some which are also members of the apostate community which calls itself the “World Council of Christian Churches.”
- 4. Sending an “official observer” must be proof of “interest in the cause of the R.E.S.” which never has been shown by any previous General Synod, nor asked from this Synod by any of the Churches.
Synod decide:
- 1. to approve of the action of Rev. G. VanDooren;
- 2. not to send an “official observer” to any future R.E. Synod as long as it is considered unacceptable in the light of the 1971 decision;
- 3. to inform the General Secretary of the Reformed Ecumenical Synod of this decision.
ADOPTED
Committee IV is charged to draft an answer to the General Secretary of the Reformed Ecumenical Synod in harmony with this decision.