19 Sep GS 1980 art 137

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GS 1980 ARTICLE 137 – Book of Praise (Liturgical Forms) – Forms for the Excommunication of Communicant/Non-Communicant Members

A. Material – 

Agenda VIII, B, 9.

B. Observations

  • 1. In the “Form for the Excommunication of Non-communicant Members” the word “admonition” was changed to “announcement” and the quoted texts were given in the R.S.V. reading, in keeping with the other forms.
  • 2. In both Forms the form of address is entirely in the masculine (brother) while the Book of Praise has both masculine and feminine (brother/sister; he/she).
  • 3. a) In accordance with the mandate given by Synod Coaldale, Acts, Article 60, Recommendation 4, the Committee has served Synod with a revised Form for the Excommunication of Communicant Members.
    • b) The Form for the Excommunication of Non-communicant Members has not been revised but submitted as adopted in 1968 and emended in 1977 (Acts Orangeville, Article 80; Acts Coaldale, Article 60).

C. Considerations

  • 1. The two Forms show a remarkable inconsistency in language and style, due to the fact that the Form for Excommunication of Non-Communicant members was not revised. This lack of revision may be due to the fact that the Form for Excom­munication of Non-communicant Members was already adopted pre­viously and subsequently emended (see Observation 3, b).
  • 2. The Revised Form for the Excommunication of Communicant Members does not convey the gravity and seriousness of the occasion as well as the old Form does and as is evident in the announcement adopted by Synod Coaldale (Article 60, Recommendation 6).

D. Recommendations

Synod decide:

  • 1. That both Forms be returned to the Committee for Translation and Revi­ sion in order that consistency be achieved in the revision of these Forms.
  • 2. That the announcements of the consistory and the admonitions to the congregation (in the Forms) retain the expression of great sorrow and urgency as adopted by Synod Coaldale 1977 (see Consideration 2).
  • 3. That the masculine/feminine designation (he/she) be maintained in the printing for easier application.
  • 4. That these Forms, as yet revised by the Committee and linguistically cor­ rected, be included in the publication of the Forms for use in the Churches.

ADOPTED

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