GS 2016 art 88

GS 2016 Article 88 – IRB (Reformed Churches in Brazil)

1. Material

  • 1.1    Report of Committee for Relations with Churches Abroad (CRCA) – section on the Reformed Churches in Brazil (IRB) (8.2.1)

2. Observations

  • 2.1    GS 2013 (Art. 133) decided:
    • [4.1]      To continue the relationship of EF with the IRB under the adopted rules;
    • [4.2]      To mandate the CRCA to use every opportunity to have contact with the IRB and to provide encouragement to these churches.
  • 2.2    From the CRCA report, the following:
    • 2.2.1     Biannually, the IRB gather in Concílio, the sole broader assembly in this federation of seven instituted churches. Brs. C. DeHaas and K. van Delden attended the first Concílio in 2014 in Maragogi, and Br. O. Bouwman attended the second Concílio in 2014 in Esperança.
    • 2.2.2     Contact was also made through missionaries and mission aid workers, as well as informal discussion at the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC).
    • 2.2.3     The CRCA is aware that the IRB and the participating Canadian mission boards are making efforts to more clearly define cooperation protocols.
    • 2.2.4     Significant decisions at the Concílios include:
      • 2.2.4.1    Matters related to the ongoing evolution of the John Calvin Institute—the federation’s seminary established in 2011—have the close attention of churches. By now the first three students have completed their regular course of study there, have passed Concílio examinations, and are involved in internship programs;
      • 2.2.4.2    The IRB communicates distress about developments in the Reformed Churches in The Netherlands (GKv), which is one of their sister-churches;
      • 2.2.4.3    There is a large federation of Presbyterian Churches in Brazil (Igreja Presbyteriana do Brasil – IPB). After observing concerns and trends in this federation, Concílio decided: “to encourage pastors and churches of our federation to enter into and continue informal contacts with the IPB at the local level.” Concílio also encouraged further study of Westminster Standards and other IPB documents “so that we can understand the challenges and strengths of IPB and prepare for possible future relationships.”
  • 2.3.   The committee recommends:
    • 2.3.1     To express gratitude for the continued growth evident in the IRB;
    • 2.3.2     To continue EF with the IRB under the adopted rules;
    • 2.3.3     To mandate the CRCA to use every opportunity to have contact with the IRB and to provide encouragement to these churches.

3. Considerations

  • 3.1    The CRCA has fulfilled its mandate regarding the IRB.
  • 3.2    In view of the strong links between the IRB and the CanRC, every effort should be made to continue contact with the IRB and to provide encouragement to these churches and their leaders.

4. Recommendation

That Synod decide:

  • 4.1    To express gratitude for the continued growth evident in the Reformed Churches in Brazil (IRB);
  • 4.2    To continue the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) with the IRB under the adopted rules;
  • 4.3    To mandate the Committee for Relations with Churches Abroad (CRCA) to use every opportunity to have contact with the IRB and to provide encouragement to these churches.

ADOPTED

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