GS 2004 Article 51 – CRCA re: the Free Reformed Churches in Australia (FRCA)

Committee 3 presented its proposal on the CRCA report re: the Free Reformed Churches in Australia (FRCA).  After several rounds of discussion, the following was adopted:

1.    Material

Report of the CRCA re: the Free Reformed Churches in Australia (FRCA)

2.    Admissibility

The report is admissible.

3.    Observations

  • 3.1. The Report of the CRCA re: the FRCA, which is included as an appendix in the Acts of Synod, serves as Observations.
  • 3.2. The CRCA recommends that Synod decide:
    • 3.2.1.     To continue the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the FRCA under the adopted rules;
    • 3.2.2.     To express appreciation to the FRCA for their continued support of the Theological College.
  • 3.3. Synod West Albany 2000 decided to continue its sister-relationship with the Gereja-Gereja Reformasi Indonesia (GGRI) with a view to supporting them in a “well-considered and responsible way with the intention of building up the Reformed character of these churches.” That Synod found that the GGRI gives evidence of continuing “faithfulness to the Word of God, maintaining the Reformed Confessions and Church Order.”  With regard to the GerejaGereja Musyafir Reformasi (GGMR) Synod West Albany 2000 considered that it “needs to be stabilized before recommendations regarding sister church relationships can be considered.”
  • 3.4. The FRCA continues to work towards establishing sister church relations with the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia (PCEA) and the Reformed Churches of New Zealand (RCNZ). Both churches are members of the ICRC.

4.    Considerations

  • 4.1. The CRCA received the Acts of Synod West Albany 2000. The Acts of Synod Rockingham 2003 were not available to the CRCA at the time of writing its report.
  • 4.2. The FRCA are to be thanked for their support of the Theological College.

5.    Recommendations

Synod decide:

  • 5.1. To thank the CRCA for the work done re: FRCA.
  • 5.2. To continue the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the FRCA under the adopted rules.
  • 5.3. To express appreciation to the FRCA for their continued support of the Theological College.