GS 2025 Article 113 – FCC (Free Church of Scotland (Continuing))

1.   Material

• 1.1    Committee for Ecumenical Relations (CER) Report 22: Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) (FCC) (8.2.10.22).

2.   Admissibility

• 2.1    The report was declared admissible.
  • Grounds: It was mandated by the previous synod and was received on time.

3.   Observations

• 3.1    GS 2022 (art. 135) decided:
  • [3.1]    To continue the relationship of ecclesiastical fellowship (EF) with the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) (FCC) under the adopted rules.
  • [3.2]    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER).
    • [3.2.1]    To continue personal contact with the FCC whenever that is feasible (e.g., at meetings of the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC), and mutual presence at assemblies of sister-churches).
    • [3.2.2]    To send a delegation to their assemblies at least once every three years.
    • [3.2.3]    To submit its report to the churches 6 months prior to the convening of the next general synod.
• 3.2    From the CER report, the following:
  • 3.2.1    FCC continues to monitor developments in The Netherlands with a particular focus on the Christian Reformed Churches in The Netherlands (CGKN);
  • 3.2.2    The FCC commissioners informally indicated it is not likely that our relationship can be expected to intensify. They wondered whether continuing the triennial visitation protocol was a stewardly use of our financial resources. Nonetheless, they are very appreciative of the role that the CanRC have played at the ICRC and look forward to dialoguing with us again in future ICRC meetings;
  • 3.2.3    The FCC is thankful for the rich ecclesiastical heritage they have been given and has a strong desire to pass that very heritage on to the next generation. It will be good for us to continue in relationship with them as they navigate their way forward in such a challenging context.
• 3.3    The CER recommends that synod decide:
  • 3.3.1    To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) Category B with the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) (FCC) according to the adopted rules;
  • 3.3.2    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
    • 3.3.2.1   To continue personal contact with the FCC whenever that is feasible (e.g., at meetings of the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC), and mutual presence at assemblies of sister-churches);
    • 3.3.2.2   To submit its report on its activities with respect to the FCC to the churches 6 months prior the convening of the next general synod.

4.   Considerations

• 4.1    As far as can be determined, the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) (FCC) continues to display the marks of a true and faithful church of Jesus Christ. Although the distances are great, financial costs are substantial, and there has been limited contact and interaction since a relationship was established, it is appropriate to continue the relationship with the FCS as Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) Category B.
• 4.2    With increased globalization, it is good to have interactions with the FCC to learn from their struggles in a similar secularized context. Continued contact can be experienced in bilateral exchanges in settings other than FCC General Assemblies.

5.   Recommendations

That Synod decide:

• 5.1    To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) Category Bwith the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) (FCC) according to the adopted rules;
• 5.2    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
  • 5.2.1    To continue personal contact with the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) (FCC) whenever that is feasible (e.g., at meetings of the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC), and mutual presence at assemblies of sister-churches) and express our desire to intensify our relationship;
  • 5.2.2    To submit its report on its activities with respect to the FCC to the churches no later than six (6) months prior the convening of the next general synod.

ADOPTED

Synod was adjourned.