GS 2010 Article 33 – Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA)

1.         Material

  • 1.1       Report from the CRCA ( 8.2.m).
  • 1.2        Letters from Grand Valley and Attercliffe (8.3.M.6,26).

2.         Observations

  • 2.1       The CRCA recommends that Synod Burlington-Ebenezer decide:
    • [1.]      To maintain the existing sister church relationship with the FRCA under the adopted rules.
    • [2.]      To thank the FRCA for its continued support for the Theological College in Hamilton.
    • [3.]      To maintain close contact with the various deputyships of the FRCA to discuss matters of mutual interest, e.g. mission work in Indonesia, Book of Praise, third-party relationships, issues of common interest with regard to sister churches, etc.
    • [4.]      To send a delegate to the next synod of the FRCA in 2012.
  • 2.2       The church of Grand Valley notes that Synod Legana 2009 mandated their deputies “to seek clarification about and discuss the changing manner in which they (the Canadian Reformed Churches) deal with significant differences with other federations in their unity discussion.” The CRCA report does not indicate this matter was discussed. Grand Valley suggests this point be addressed at Synod with the fraternal delegates.
  • 2.3       The church at Attercliffe expresses thankfulness for the good relationship with the FRCA and expresses the hope that efforts will be made to intensify our contacts.
  • 2.4       Synod Legana 2009 (Article 40) mandated their deputies:
    • 2.4.1    To stay informed on developments concerning the pending merger between the CanRC and the URCNA. [Cf. IV.2.b].
    • 2.4.2    To encourage the CanRC to maintain the principle that the churches maintain a theological college on the basis that the Australian churches use our college. [Cf. IV.2.d].
    • 2.4.3    To encourage the CanRC to continue supporting the FRCA as much as possible in their discussions with the RCNZ. [Cf. IV.2.e].

3.         Considerations

  • 3.1       From the report and the address of the fraternal delegate at Synod it is evident that the FRCA remain true and faithful churches of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 3.2       Synod endorses the recommendations of the CRCA.
  • 3.3       In his address to Synod the fraternal delegate explained the matter highlighted by the church at Grand Valley. The text of this address is in Appendix 3 of the Acts.
  • 3.4       The sentiment expressed by the church of Attercliffe is in line with the recommendations of the CRCA.

4.         Recommendation

That Synod decide:

  • 4.1       To maintain the existing relationship of ecclesiastical fellowship with the FRCA under the adopted rules.
  • 4.2       To thank the FRCA for its continued and increased support for the Theological College in Hamilton.
  • 4.3       To mandate the CRCA as follows:
    • 4.3.1    To maintain close contact with the various deputyships of the FRCA to discuss matters of mutual interest, e.g. mission work in Indonesia, Book of Praise, third-party relationships, issues of common interest with regard to sister churches, etc.
    • 4.3.2    To keep the FRCA informed on developments regarding our relationship with the URCNA and in particular developments regarding theological education.
    • 4.3.3    To continue supporting the FRCA as much as possible in its discussions with the RCNZ.
    • 4.3.4     To send a delegate to the next synod of the FRCA in 2012.

ADOPTED