17 May GS 2001 art 100

Posted at 16:25h in CanRC, GS 2001 by

GS 2001 Article 100 – Book of Praise: Standing Committee

Committee 3 presented its proposal on the Standing Committee for the Book of Praise. The following was adopted:

1. Material

Report of the Standing Committee for the Publication of the Book of Praise.

2. Observations

  • 2.1. Since it was submitted late, Synod decided to take note of the Report of the Standing Committee for the Publication of the Book of Praise and include it as an Appendix to the Acts.
  • 2.2. Synod concluded that certain matters in the report would still require the attention of Synod so that the Standing Committee will be able to continue to function.

3. Considerations

  • 3.1. Since the Churches have not been able to see this report before the beginning of Synod, it would be inappropriate for General Synod to deal with the content of the report. This is most unfortunate because in various areas the committee seeks and needs the approval or direction of Synod.
  • 3.2. Synod judges that the following items from the Report of the Standing Committee need to be addressed.
    • 3.2.1. The Committee’s recommendation that the contract with Premier Printing Ltd. be extended for a five-year period under its original terms, to be reviewed in the year 2006.
    • 3.2.2. The Committee’s request to consider the potential implications of the progressing discussions with the URCNA when formulating the next mandate for the Standing Committee. This matter has been taken care of in the decision of Synod with regard to the relationship with the URCNA.
    • 3.2.3. The matter of the NIV references in the prose section of the Book of Praise as well as the positive input from the Australian sister churches. This was dealt with when Synod decided on the appeal of the church in Owen Sound.
  • 3.3. Many churches and individuals in the churches have ideas and suggestions with regard to the future developments and improvements of the Book of Praise. Instead of sending this material to General Synod, it should either be directed to the Standing Committee for the Publication of the Book of Praise for perusal, or (especially if it involves proposals for major changes) be presented to the churches via Classis and Regional Synod.
  • 3.4. At this time Synod cannot do much more than renew the mandate that was given by Synod Fergus (Acts 140.VIII.C.2) with some minor additions.

4. Recommendations

Synod decide to mandate the Standing Committee for the Publication of the Book of Praise as follows:

  • 4.1. To function according to the arrangements for publishing and distribution accepted by General Synod Cloverdale 1983 (Acts 1983, pp 297-299), and to extend the contract with Premier Printing Ltd for a five year period under its original terms to be reviewed in the year 2006.
  • 4.2. To maintain its corporate status in order to be able to protect the interests of the Canadian Reformed Churches in all matters concerning the Book of  Praise.
  • 4.3. To foster an increased awareness of the existence of the Book of Praise among others and to promote the availability of a book of harmonization facilitating the use of the Book of Praise in the English speaking world.
  • 4.4. To serve as the address to which any correspondence regarding the Book of Praise can be directed. To evaluate and to scrutinize the content of this correspondence, and to report to the next General Synod as to the validity of the suggestions made.
  • 4.5. To present to the next General Synod a revision of the Book of Praise incorporating the mandates mentioned in Art. 140 of the Acts of General Synod Fergus 1998, as well as in Articles 95 (1.5) and 97 of the Acts of this Synod.
  • 4.6. To serve the next Synod with a report to be sent to the churches at least six months prior to the convening of Synod.

Br. W. Gortemaker abstained from voting.

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