06 Jul GS 2019 art 108
GS 2019 Article 108 – FRCSA (Free Reformed Churches in South Africa)
1. Material
- 1.1 Report of the Committee on Relations with Churches Abroad (CRCA) regarding the Free Reformed Churches in South Africa (FRCSA) (8.2.2.1).
2. Observations
- 2.1 GS 2016 (Art. 81) decided:
- [4.1] To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) with the Free Reformed Churches in South Africa (FRCSA);
- [4.2] To mandate the CRCA to send a delegation to the next synod of the FRCSA;
- [4.3] To encourage the CRTS to support the FRCSA in the training of their theological students, because of the unique circumstances of the FRCSA theological training program.
- 2.2 In August 2018, br. O. Bouwman, member of the CRCA, along with Dr. A.J. deVisser attended the FRCSA synod Soshanguve North (near Pretoria) as fraternal delegates. A report of that visit was shared in Clarion, and correspondence was received from the FRCSA mission deputies asking us to consider funding some of their mission work in light of their anticipated budget shortfalls.
- 2.3 The CanRC has had EF with the FRCSA since 1954, with numerous close ties – ecclesiastical, operational, and personal – between the FRCSA and CanRC.
- 2.4 Over the past three years the CRTS has been supporting the FRCSA in the training of their theological students through videos of class instruction. A recent CRTS graduate, the Rev. J. Bruintjes, accepted a call from the church in Cape Town and began his ministry there in 2017. The South African delegate to synod advised us that a number of students from the FRCSA are preparing for studies for the ministry at CRTS.
- 2.5 The CanRC have financially supported the burgeoning Reformational Study Centre near Pretoria, and in connection with this, the Rev. R.J. Kampen is fulfilling a “special ministerial task” under the oversight of the Dunnville CanRC for this project.
- 2.6 Although the FRCSA did not require financial assistance at GS 2016, the topic of financial need has come up again. The financial needs of the FRCSA are and can be expected to continue to be substantial and merit attention.
3. Considerations
- 3.1 The committee has completed its mandate with respect to the Free Reformed Churches in South Africa (FRCSA).
- 3.2 With thankfulness to the Lord, the FRCSA shows in confession and practice to be a church federation seeking to serve the Lord according to His Word.
- 3.3 There is good reason to continue EF with the FRCSA.
- 3.4 Given the brotherhood of the communion of saints around the globe, the current circumstances of the FRCSA make it desirable for the CanRC to be willing to assist to the degree we can. Churches possessing the means and desire to assist the FRCSA need to know that there are Canada Revenue Agency regulations regarding the need for charitable organizations which send money overseas to retain “direction and control” over how these funds are disbursed.
4. Recommendations
That Synod decide:
- 4.1 To continue the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) with the Free Reformed Churches in South Africa (FRCSA) under the adopted rules;
- 4.2 To mandate the Committee on Relations with Churches Abroad (CRCA):
- 4.2.1 To send a delegation to the next synod of the FRCSA;
- 4.2.2 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;
- 4.2.3 To submit its report to the churches 6 months prior to the convening of the next general synod.