02 Feb GS 2004 art 59

Posted at 13:02h in CanRC, GS 2004 by

GS 2004 Article 59 – CRCA re: the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK)

Committee 3 presented its proposal on the report of CRCA re: the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK).  After a round of discussion, the following was adopted:

1.    Material

  • 1.1.   Report of CRCA re: the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK)
  • 1.2.   Letter from the church at Lynden
  • 1.3.   Letter from the church at Carman (West)
  • 1.4.   Letter from the church at Fergus
  • 1.5.   Letter from the church at Orangeville
  • 1.6.   Letter from the church at London
  • 1.7.   Letter from the church at Lincoln

2.    Admissibility

The report and letters are admissible.

3.    Observations

  • 3.1.   The report of the CRCA re: the PCK, which is included in the Acts, serves as Observations.
  • 3.2.   The CRCA recommends that Synod decide:
    • 3.2.1.To continue the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the PCK under the adopted rules;
    • 3.2.2.To conclude that the information gathered concerning the fencing of the Lord’s Supper and confessional membership is not different from what was known when Ecclesiastical Fellowship was established;
    • 3.2.3.To rescind the mandate regarding the discussion of divergences;
  • 3.2.   4.To continue to strengthen communication with the PCK and as best as possible monitor the growth and trends in the PCK.
  • 3.3.   The CRCA communicated with the PCK concerning the Lord’s Supper, confessional membership and church polity. The PCK responded by sending a copy of  Chapter 58 of the Book of Church Order. With regard to the divergences the CRCA also submitted a copy of the study reports submitted to past synods.
  • 3.4.   The PCK expressed the desire to come and visit a future synod.
  • 3.5.   The churches at Lynden, Fergus, Carman (West), Orangeville and Lincoln suggest that the divergences should be discussed with the PCK, especially since a beginning of these discussions was made. These churches feel that addressing the divergences fits within the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship. The churches have always recognized that there are divergences.  Why then not discuss them for mutual benefit?  It is also felt that as a matter of consistency these divergences should be discussed with all Presbyterian churches with which we have contact.
  • 3.6.   The church at Lincoln feels that in light of a more open Lord’s Supper there is a need to continue the discussion.
  • 3.7.   The church at London requests to keep the FCS and PCK informed about the progress of our discussions with the OPC regarding the evaluation of confessional divergences.

4.    Considerations

  • 4.1.   From the report it is evident that the CRCA fulfilled its mandate with regard to the PCK.
  • 4.2.   Synod acknowledges with thankfulness that the lines of communication are more open than they have been in the past. This would give opportunity to discuss the differences as outlined by Synod Neerlandia.
  • 4.3.   The CRCA is correct that Synod Neerlandia brought something new into the contact with the PCK. Synod Neerlandia did consider, however, that previous synods have consistently declared that the differences between the Westminster Confessions and the Three Forms of Unity need to be discussed within the bounds of Ecclesiastical Fellowship (see Rule #1). The Church at Carman (West) is correct that through continued discussion we may all “grow in the unity of faith” (Eph. 4:3-6, 13).
  • 4.4.   The request of the Church at London would help the churches to coordinate the discussions with the various church federations with which we have fellowship about the differences between the Westminster Confession and the Three Forms of Unity. In our relationship with the OPC we have discussed these differences for many years. It would be helpful for the churches to have a synopsis of these discussions so we can share the information for the benefit of all involved.
  • 4.5.   The e-mail of the PCK dated January 1, 2002 states that with respect to the fencing of the Lord’s Supper, “they are open to every baptized Christian regardless of denomination and confession.”  The Form of Government speaks of “all those who profess the true religion, and are communicants in good standing in any evangelical church.” Synod notes the difference between the e-mail and the Form of Government. This would warrant a further investigation as requested by church at Lincoln.

5.    Recommendations

Synod decide

  • 5.1.   To thank the CRCA for the work re: the PCK.
  • 5.2.   To continue the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the PCK under the adopted rules.
  • 5.3.   To mandate the CRCA:
    • 5.3.1.To continue the discussion on the existing differences in confession and church polity in light of Consideration 4.3 and 4.4;
    • 5.3.2.To pay special attention to the fencing of the Lord’s Supper during these discussions;
    • 5.3.3.To continue to strengthen communication with the PCK and as best as possible monitor the growth and trends in the PCK.
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