10 Sep GS 2022 art 169

Posted at 17:56h in CanRC, GS 2022 by

GS 2022 Article 169 – FRCA (Free Reformed Churches of Australia)

1.   Material

  • 1.1    Report of the CRCA on the FRCA (8.2.1.2).

2.   Admissibility

  • 2.1    The report was declared admissible.

3.   Decisions

Synod decided:

  • 3.1    To continue the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) with the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA) under the adopted rules;
  • 3.2    To express thankfulness and appreciation for the FRCA’s ongoing support for and interest in the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary (CRTS), including financial support;
  • 3.3    To encourage the Board of Governors and Senate of the CRTS to continue contact with the deputyship for theological education in the FRCA to explore the feasibility and benefits of delivering theological education in Australia;
  • 3.4    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
    • 3.4.1   To maintain close contact with the deputyship of the FRCA in matters of relations with sister-churches abroad and informing the FRCA of changes or developments in third-party relationships;
    • 3.4.2   To invite the various deputyships of the FRCA to seek direct contact with the corresponding CanRC committees (e.g., our Standing Committee for the Publication of the Book of Praise, Committee on Bible Translations) in areas of mutual interest where the CER’s mandate does not reach;
    • 3.4.3   To communicate to the FRCA the value of the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC) and encourage them to consider membership;
    • 3.4.4   To send a delegation to the next FRCA synod in 2024;
    • 3.4.5   To submit its report to the churches six months prior to the convening of the next general synod.

4.   Grounds

  • 4.1    As far as can be determined from the Acts of GS-FRCA 2021, the FRCA demonstrate that they remain faithful churches. They abide by the Word of God as the only rule for faith and life and adhere to the adopted confessions and church order.
  • 4.2    The value of our relationship with the FRCA is evident particularly in the ongoing cooperation in theological education, interchurch relations, the Book of Praise, and mission projects. 
  • 4.3    Through planning, robust discussions and financial commitment, GS-FRCA 2021 demonstrates the vital importance the FRCA place on training for the ministry.
  • 4.4    Through the CRTS, the CanRC may be able to assist the FRCA in providing training for the ministry in Australia.
  • 4.5    The FRCA demonstrate that they are active in maintaining their current sister-church relationships and seek to establish relationships with other faithful churches.
  • 4.6    Membership in the ICRC has been beneficial for the CanRC, and Australia’s participation would assist in providing an opportunity to support Christ’s church worldwide, and promote unity among faithful churches.
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