08 Jul GS 2019 art 145

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GS 2019 Article 145 – SCBP (Standing Committee for the Book of Praise)

1.   Material

  • 1.1    Report of the Standing Committee for the Publication of the Book of Praise (SCBP) (8.2.5.1)
  • 1.2    Letters from the following churches: Willoughby Heights (8.3.7.1), Smithville (8.3.7.2), Lincoln-Vineyard (8.3.7.3), Carman-West (8.3.7.4), Ancaster (8.3.7.5), Fergus-Maranatha (8.3.7.6), Aldergrove (8.3.7.7) and Winnipeg-Grace (8.3.7.8).

2.   Observations

  • 2.1    GS 2016 mandated the SCBP:
    • [5.6.1]   To foster an increased awareness of the Book of Praise, among others in the English-speaking world;
    • [5.6.2]   To maintain contact with our Australian sister-churches to assist them in the possible publication of their own Book of Praise;
    • [5.6.3]   To maintain its corporate status in order to protect the interest of the Canadian Reformed Churches in matters concerning the Book of Praise;
    • [5.6.4]   To communicate with the churches regarding copyright issues concerning the Book of Praise;
    • [5.6.5]   To maintain its archives and website;
    • [5.6.6]   To monitor the development of a joint OPC-URCNA songbook and when possible to provide the churches with a sense of this new song book’s composition, quality, and theological accuracy;
    • [5.6.7]   To receive, scrutinize and evaluate the contents of correspondence from the churches and to report to the next General Synod as to the validity of the suggestions made (as per GS 2016 Art. 122);
    • [5.6.8]   To seek, receive, evaluate and recommend proposals for changes to the hymn section to be compiled for possible submission to a future Synod (as per GS 2016 Art. 122).
  • 2.2    The SCBP has reinstated the wording of the Subscription Form in the third printing of the Book of Praise (Gs 2016 Art. 54 Rec. 4.3).
  • 2.3    The SCBP has continued to respond to requests for information regarding the Book of Praise and notes there remains considerable interest at home and abroad. It requests GS 2019 to continue the Committee’s mandate to foster an increased awareness of the existence of the Book of Praise in the English-speaking world.
  • 2.4    The SCBP provided support to the Deputies of the Free Reformed Church of Australia (FRCA) including providing permission related to use and alteration of the Book of Praise as used in the FRCA. The SCBP notes that the FRCA Synod Bunbury 2018 has appointed a committee to develop an Australian version of the Book of Praise.
  • 2.5    The SCBP has maintained its status as a corporation and requests GS 2019 to mandate it to maintain its corporate status for the purpose of protecting the interests of the Canadian Reformed Churches relating to the Book of Praise.
  • 2.6    The SCBP has communicated with the churches in May 2017 and provided support to individual churches in matters relating to copyright, particularly around projection and live steaming.
  • 2.7    Rev. C. Bosch has been the archivist for the SCBP for many years and has asked to be relieved of this task. The SCBP requests that Rev. Bosch be formally thanked for his work on behalf of the SCBP. Dr. J. Smith has been found willing to take over this task. In addition, the SCBP has decided to implement triennial inspections of the archives in the September/October prior to a General Synod, and sr. Margaret Alkema has agreed to assist in these inspections. The first inspection report will be provided to Synod 2022.
  • 2.8    The SCBP continues to maintain its website (www.bookofpraise.ca) as part of its efforts for the promotion and awareness for the Book of Praise.
  • 2.9    The SCBP monitored developments regarding the Trinity Psalter Hymnal (TPH), a joint project of the United Reformed Churches of North America (URCNA) and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC). The TPH committee requested and was granted the use of a number of psalms and hymns from the Book of Praise, subject to some limitations. The SCBP conducted a “cursory study” of the TPH, reviewing all of the Psalms and a sampling of about 80 hymns. It provided some feedback [see Committee report 7.2] and requests Synod to declare that it has fulfilled its mandate as given by GS 2016 in Recommendation 5.6.6. It also requests that if Synod would like a more in-depth evaluation, that such evaluation not be done by the SCBP because of the “tension between such a mandate and our existing mandate to maintain and promote the Book of Praise.”
  • 2.10  In May 2018, the SCBP sent a letter to the churches inviting them to submit hymns for consideration to be included in a future edition of the Book of Praise. A number of letters were received but the Committee did not have any recommendations to make to GS 2019. It requests GS 2019 to mandate the Committee to “seek, receive, evaluate and recommend proposals for changes to the hymn section to be compiled for possible submission to a future Synod.” The SCBP has also received, and is evaluating, correspondence it received relating to Hymn 1.
  • 2.11  Since GS 2016, a third printing of the Book of Praise was authorized. The SCBP maintains a list of corrigenda for inclusion in the next print run.
  • 2.12  In executing the mandate received from GS 2016 to negotiate a contract renewal with Premier Printing with an expiry date of February 28, 2022, it became evident that “there is a tension between protecting the investment that our publisher makes in layout and publishing of the print and digital editions of the Book of Praise, and making this material available on-line.” To address this tension, the SCBP requests that it be authorized to negotiate a new contract with Premier Printing that moves the cost of layout and publishing from Premier Printing to the churches. The SCBP would need to be authorized to make use of funds from the General Fund to cover layout and publication costs when such work is required.
  • 2.13  Br. A. den Hollander has completed his term at the end of GS 2019. The SCBP recommends that GS 2019 formally thank br. den Hollander for his work as a member of the Committee. The SCBP recommends that its membership continue to be set at 4 members and proposes that a member be appointed to replace br. den Hollander.
  • 2.14  The SCBP proposes to replace the word ‘expiation” in the first sentence of Belgic Confession, Article 34 to ‘propitiation”. The Committee provides a historical and exegetical basis for going back to this wording, which existed in the work leading up to the 1984 Book of Praise.
  • 2.15  The SCBP expresses gratitude for the contribution provided by Dr. W. Helder, Rev. G. Ph. Van Popta, Dr. J. Van Vliet, Rev. C. Bosch and sr. M. Alkema.
  • 2.16 Submissions were received from the following churches:
    • 2.16.1  Lincoln-Vineyard CanRC would like to see the Book of Praise content published online, where possible within the copyrights. It argues that this will serve our federation by providing members with free, digital access to the psalms and hymns. It also creates opportunities to share our psalms and hymns to a broader audience.
    • 2.16.2  Aldergrove CanRC recommends that GS 2019 instruct the SCBP to include a four-part harmony in future printings of the Book of Praise. This would promote the Book of Praise and the playing and singing of the psalms and hymns within the homes of church members.
    • 2.16.3  Willoughby Heights CanRC alerts synod to the need to be consistent in how committees draw on the General Fund. GS 2019 should ensure that the General Fund has sufficient liquidity and that annual assessments are fairly consistent. It suggests synod seek clarification from the SCBP regarding the costs their proposal could involve, and the General Fund as to how these costs would be met.
    • 2.16.4  Smithville CanRC recommends that GS 2019 conduct a more in-depth evaluation of the TPH and, as suggested by the SCBP, appoint a new committee to take on this task and report to the next Synod.
    • 2.16.5  Fergus-Maranatha CanRC requests that GS 2019 remove the word “seek” from the SCBP mandate “to seek, receive, evaluate, and recommend proposals for changes to the hymn section.” It makes this request to ensure that it remains the responsibility of the local churches to initiate further development of our Book of Praise. In support of its request Fergus Maranatha asks that GS 2019 consider the following:
    • • Historically, seeking new hymns was the task of the churches, not of the SCBP. Churches sent suggestions for additional hymns directly to the committee with “reasons for their suitability” (Acts of GS 2001, Art. 97. Recommendation 5.2p. 111).
    • • General Synods 2007 & 2013 continued to make the addition of new hymns to the Book of Praise the responsibility of the individual churches.
    • • GS 2016 added the word “seek” to the mandate of the SCBP without any explanation.
    • 2.16.6  Ancaster CanRC brings to the attention of GS 2019 the following:
    • • Its support for an in-depth study of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal (TPH) with a view to adopting additional Psalms and Hymns for use in the Canadian Reformed Churches, since this would be in line with the way the federation has always approached changes to the songs we sing.
    • • Its agreement with the change to Belgic Confession Article 34.
    • • Its appreciation for the work of the Committee and its thankfulness for the contributions of the retiring members.
    • 2.16.7  Carman West CanRC is of the opinion that it would be good to conduct a survey among the churches to find out how often each of the hymns is used on average in a given year. The purpose of this survey would be to delete those hymns that are seldom used to make room for better selections. This would help alleviate the concerns some have that a substantial increase in the number of hymns could come at the cost of Psalm singing, which should continue to be treasured.
    • 2.16.8  Carman West requests GS 2019 to instruct the SCBP to give special (although not exclusive) consideration to the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, when replacing or adding hymns to the Book of Praise.
    • 2.16.9  Winnipeg-Grace CanRC proposes the Apostles’ Creed (in the section of Ecumenical Creeds as well as the entry in the Heidelberg Catechism L.D. 7 Q & A 23) be changed to read “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand” and that Hymn 1 be revised accordingly.

3.   Considerations

  • 3.1    GS 2019 acknowledges with thankfulness the work the SCBP in executing the mandate it received from GS 2016.
  • 3.2    GS 2019 gratefully acknowledges the work of br. A. den Hollander during his term on this Committee.
  • 3.3    Fergus-Maranatha interacts with the Committee’s mandate from GS 2016 (Art 122, Rec. 5.6.8) which included the word “seek”. Fergus-Maranatha incorrectly argues that historically it was up to the churches to make recommendations, that the addition of the word “seek” was added by GS 2016 without any explanation, and that GS 2013 and 2007 continued to make the responsibility of addition new hymns to the Book of Praise the responsibility of the individual churches. GS 2019 notes that the word “seek” was included in GS 2010 Art. 142, Recommendation 4.1. As a result of appeals, GS 2016 (Art 122) rescinded the decision of GS 2013 thereby returning to the text of the decision of GS 2010.
  • 3.4    GS 2019 endorses the request of Carman-West that the SCBP give special consideration to the TPH when replacing or adding hymns to the Book of Praise. Carman-West also recommends that the SCBP conduct a survey on the frequency of usage of each of the hymns with a view to deleting hymns that are not used very often. This recommendation does not adequately address the underlying reasons why some hymns might not be sung as often as others (e.g. seasonal consideration), and therefore this recommendation is not practical.
  • 3.5    The SCBP requests authorization to move the cost of layout and publishing from Premier Printing and use funds from the General Fund to cover these costs. Willoughby Heights cautions that GS 2019 should ensure that the General Fund has sufficient liquidity and that assessments are fairly consistent. The SCBP reports that of the 7,548 copies of the Book of Praise distributed since GS 2016, 3,072 (40.7%) were “international” sales. The SCBP does not provide information on how the removal of these costs from Premier Printing will affect the price of the Book of Praise, and if the transfer of such costs to the General Fund would inadvertently result in members of the CanRC subsidizing international sales. As the SCBP does not provide an estimate of the costs or how this would affect the General Fund, GS 2019 cannot authorize the SCBP to implement this proposal at this time.
  • 3.6    Aldergrove recommends that the SCBP be instructed to include a four-part harmony in future printings. Aldergrove notes that GS 2013, in Article 186 Consideration 3.6, finds the implication of having a version of the Book of Praise in four-part harmony to be “too daunting to be practical.”  Aldergrove correctly notes that GS 2016, Art 127, Observation 3.6 stated that the SCBP website includes a resource section containing links to recommended harmonization of all the psalms and hymns in a digital format free of charge. The SCBP should evaluate the possibility of creating a version of the Book of Praise containing the four-part harmonies provided by br. D. Teitsma when the matters addressed in Consideration 3.4 (i.e., to move the cost of layout and publishing from Premier Publishing to the General Fund) are addressed.
  • 3.7    Lincoln-Vineyard would like the SCBP to publish content online as a means to serve members of the Canadian Reformed Churches and as a way to share the psalms and hymns with a broader audience. When the matters discussed in Consideration 3.4 are addressed, the SCBP should evaluate Lincoln-Vineyard’s recommendation.
  • 3.8    The SCBP proposes, after consultation with two professors at the CRTS, to amend the first sentence of Belgic Confession Article 34 by removing the word “expiation” and replacing it with “propitiation”. GS 2019 concurs with the grounds articulated by the SCBP (Report 12.1.1 – 12.1.3).
  • 3.9    The SCBP has completed “cursory study” of the TPH and requests that any further evaluation be completed by a committee other than the SCBP. The matter of further review of the TPH has been addressed in GS 2019 Art. 142.
  • 3.10  Winnipeg-Grace’s proposal to amend the Apostles’ Creed (in the section of Ecumenical Creeds as well as the entry in the Heidelberg Catechism L.D. 7 Q & A 23) to read “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand,” and that Hymn 1 be revised accordingly, is more than a linguistic change. This is evident from the fact that Winnipeg-Grace supports it using theological arguments. This letter should be given to the SCBP for its evaluation.

4.   Recommendations

That Synod decide:

  • 4.1    To express gratitude to:
    • 4.1.1    br. A. den Hollander for his work as member of the SCBP;
    • 4.1.2    Rev. C. Bosch for his work as archivist of the SCBP;
    • 4.1.3    Dr. W. Helder, Rev. G. Ph. Van Popta, Dr. J. Van Vliet, and sr. M. Alkema for their contribution to the SCBP.
  • 4.2    To mandate the SCBP to:
    • 4.2.1    Foster an increased awareness of the existence of the Book of Praise in the English-speaking world;
    • 4.2.2    Maintain contact with the FRCA relating to matters of the Book of Praise and the development of an Australian Book of Praise;
    • 4.2.3    Maintain its corporate status for the purpose of protecting the interests of the Canadian Reformed Churches in matters concerning the Book of Praise;
    • 4.2.4    Maintain the archives and website;
    • 4.2.5    Seek, receive, evaluate and recommend proposals for changes to the hymn section to be compiled for possible submission to a future Synod (see also GS 2019 Art. 142 for further instruction);
    • 4.2.6    Serve Synod 2022 with a report regarding its proposal to move the costs of layout and publication, which will includea discussion of the financial implications to the General Fund. This should include an evaluation of the impact of creating an online version and a four-part harmony version (Considerations 3.5 and 3.6);
    • 4.2.7    Amend the first sentence of BC Article 34 by removing the word “expiation” and replacing it with “propitiation”;
    • 4.2.8    Review Winnipeg-Grace’s letter regarding the proposed change to the wording of the Apostles’ Creed and Hymn 1;
    • 4.2.9    To appoint one of its members to validate and submit to the treasurer of the General Fund all expenses being submitted for committee work;
    • 4.2.10  Submit its report to the churches 6 months prior to the convening of the next Synod.
  • 4.3    To authorize the SCBP to negotiate a temporary extension of the contract with Premier Printing Ltd past the current expiry date of February 28, 2022, in order to allow the Committee to complete the mandate in Recommendation 4.2.6.

ADOPTED

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