GS 2013 art 192

GS 2013 Article 192 – Reformed Churches of New Zealand (RCNZ)

Committee 3 presented its second draft. With a few minor changes, this was the result:

1.         Material:

  • 1.1.      Report from the CRCA re: RCNZ (8.2.1)
  • 1.2.      Letter from the church at Abbotsford (8.3.1.4)

2.         Observations:

  • 2.1.      Synod Burlington 2010 decided (Acts, Article 154, Recommendation 4):
    • [4.1.]    To continue the relation of EF with the RCNZ under the adopted rules;
    • To give the CRCA the following mandate:
    • [4.2.]    To continue to monitor the relation between the RCNZ and the CRCAustralia  and encourage the RCNZ to seriously re-evaluate its relationship with the CRCAustralia in light of its continuing practice of ordaining women to the office of deacon.
    • [4.3.]    To encourage the RCNZ to keep seeking ways to grow closer towards the FRCA
    • [4.4.]    To invite the RCNZ to become better acquainted with the CRTS.
  • 2.2.      The CRCA reports the following about the execution of their mandate:
    • 2.2.1.   The 2011 synod of the RCNZ decided:
      • [1.]       To adopt the CanRC translation of the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dort, with a few changes;
      • [2.]       Regarding the relationship with the CRCAustralia, to establish a new category of inter-church relation in addition to the existing sister-church relationship called Ecclesiastical Fellowship;
      • [3.]       To adopt provisionally proposed rules for EF as the rules for this new relationship;
      • [4.]       To downgrade the relationship with the CRCAustralia from a sister-church relationship to EF;
      • [5.]       To continue to offer sister-church relations with the FRCA
    • 2.2.2.   The CRCA also draws attention to these decisions of the same synod:
      • [1.]       To continue the sister-church relationship with the CanRC;
      • [2.]       To express its appreciation for the privilege of cooperating with the CanRC in the mission work in Papua New Guinea;
      • [3.]       To inform the CanRC of the downgrade of the RCNZ’s relationship with the CRCAustralia;
      • [4.]       To send two delegates to the next synod of the CRCAustralia;
      • [5.]       To increase the level of support given to the Reformed Theological College in Australia each year between 2012-2014.
    • 2.2.3.   In a meeting of the CRCA and an RCNZ fraternal delegate it was noted that every church federation has its own categories for inter-church relationships. Therefore, that the RCNZ now has a relationship of EF with the CRCAustralia should not be equated with our understanding of EF.
    • 2.2.4.   The RCNZ continues to cooperate with the CRCAustralia with regards to theological education.
    • 2.2.5.   It is noted that the CRTS is still not very well known among the RCNZ.
    • 2.2.6.   Abbotsford argues that we must form an opinion on the fact that the RCNZ is increasing its support for the Reformed Theological College in Australia.

3.         Considerations:

  • 3.1.      It is evident that the CRCA has been active in maintaining EF with the RCNZ.
  • 3.2.      It is evident that the RCNZ seeks to continue to be faithful churches of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 3.3.      Based on the information about the RCNZ’s different relationship with the CRCAustralia, we can appreciate the direction that the RCNZ have taken. They have changed their relationship with the CRCAustralia. Nevertheless the provisional rules for EF need to be studied by the CRCA to determine whether the change is substantial. It is important for the CRCA to stay in contact with the Inter-church Relations Committee on this matter. It would be prudent for the CRCA to stay in contact with the deputies of the FRCA, since we have assured the FRCA of our continued attention to the relationship between the RCNZ and the CRCAustralia.
  • 3.4.      Synod can address Abbotsford’s concern by maintaining Item 4.2.4 of the CRCA mandate.

4.         Recommendations:

That Synod decide:

  • 4.1.      To thank the CRCA for its effort in maintaining EF with the RCNZ.
  • 4.2       To mandate the CRCA:
    • 4.2.1.   To continue the relationship of EF with the RCNZ under the adopted rules;
    • 4.2.2.   To try to get a better understanding of the practical changes entailed by the relationship of EF that was begun in 2007 and to encourage the RCNZ to be consequent in its relationship with the CRCAustralia as it develops and finalizes the rules for EF;
    • 4.2.3.   To encourage the RCNZ to keep seeking ways to grow closer towards the FRCA;
    • 4.2.4.   To invite the RCNZ to become better acquainted with the CRTS in Hamilton;
    • 4.2.5.   To send a delegation to the next RCNZ synod in 2014, if feasible.

ADOPTED