GS 2016 Article 117 – DGK (The Reformed Churches [in The Netherlands])
1. Material
- 1.1 Report from the Subcommittee Reformed churches in The Netherlands of the Committee for Relations with Churches Abroad (CRCA-SRN) – section The Reformed Churches (Restored) (DGK) (8.2.1)
2. Observations
- 2.1 GS 2013 (Art. 190) mandated the committee:
- [5.5.1] To monitor developments in the GKNvv [Reformed Churches in The Netherlands (temporary federation)] and RCR [the Reformed Churches Restored];
- [5.5.2] To exhort all those who have left the RCN to reach out to others who love the Word and the Reformed faith;
- [5.5.3] To inform the RCR that as long as they maintain EF with the LRCA [Liberated Reformed Church at Abbotsford], closer contact between the CanRC and RCR will be impossible;
- [5.5.4] To work in consultation with the FRCA [Free Reformed Churches of Australia];
- [5.5.5] To submit a comprehensive report of its activities to the churches six months prior to the next general synod.
- 2.2 From the report of the CRCA-SRN, we observe:
- 2.2.1 The DGK is a federation of churches which came into being in 2003/2004 when the first groups of people left the GKv.
- 2.2.2 The subcommittee had opportunity to meet deputies of the DGK.
- 2.2.3 The DGK has a sister-church relationship with the LRCA. As long as this relationship is maintained closer contact with the CanRC and the DGK is impossible.
- 2.2.4 It is important to maintain some form of contact with the DGK and continue to monitor the developments within this federation even though they have maintained the relationship with the LRCA.
3. Considerations
- 3.1 The committee has fulfilled its mandate.
- 3.2 Synod agrees with Observation 2.2.4.
4. Recommendation
That Synod decide:
- 4.1 To maintain contact with The Reformed Churches (DGK) and continue to monitor developments within this federation, paying special attention to the relationship between the DGK and the Liberated Reformed Church at Abbotsford (LRCA).