GS 2007 Article 124The Free Reformed Churches of South Africa (FRCSA)

The advisory committee presented its second proposal:

1.      Material

  • 1.1     CRCA Report 3
  • 1.2     Letter from Elora

2.      Observations

  • 2.1     The report of the CRCA re the FRCSA, which is included in the appendix to the Acts, serves as Observations.
  • 2.2     The CRCA recommends that Synod Smithers 2007 decide:
    • 2.2.1    To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the FRCSA under the adopted rules.
    • 2.2.2    To recommend the FRCSA to the churches as worthy of continued and increased prayerful and financial assistance, to help them with their extensive mission work as well as the compassionate pursuits among the disadvantaged.
    • 2.2.3    To continue to invite the Board of Governors of our Theological College to encourage and aid the FRCSA in the quest to redesign their Theological Training by serving them with advice, and by extending academic backing through guest lectures, as well as assisting students who may enroll here with the necessary language and social support.
  • 2.3     The church at Elora encourages prayerful and financial support for the churches of the FRCSA.

3.      Considerations

  • 3.1     From the report it is evident that the CRCA fulfilled its mandate with regard to the FRCSA.
  • 3.2     The churches in our federation should indeed be alerted to the need for prayerful support for the FRCSA in their work of mission and Theological Training.
  • 3.3     The phrasing “To invite the Board of Governors…” is somewhat unclear and would be better phrased “To mandate…”
  • 3.4     From the report of the CRCA it is evident that the FRCSA continues to walk faithfully in the ways of the Lord.

4.      Recommendation

Synod decide:

  • 4.1     To continue ecclesiastical fellowship with the FRCSA under the adopted rules.
  • 4.2     To recommend the FRCSA to the churches as worthy of continued and increased prayerful and financial assistance, to help them with their extensive mission work as well as the compassionate pursuits among the disadvantaged.
  • 4.3     To mandate the Board of Governors of our Theological College to encourage and aid the FRCSA in the quest to redesign their Theological Training by serving them with advice, and by extending academic backing through guest lectures, as well as assisting students who may enroll here with the necessary language and social support.

ADOPTED