Office Bearers

GS 2025 Article 125 – ICRC (International Conference of Reformed Churches)

1.   Material

  • 1.1    CER Report 25: International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC) (8.2.10.1.25).

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. 145) decided:
    • [3.1]    To continue the membership of the CanRC in the ICRC;
    • [3.2]    Regarding membership of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (liberated) (GKv) in the ICRC:
      • [3.2.1]    To propose to the tenth ICRC to be held, the Lord willing, in Windhoek, Namibia during October 2022, that the membership of the GKv be terminated, as its decision on women in office no longer qualifies it for membership in the ICRC;
      • [3.2.2]    To express agreement with a similar proposal decided by the 87th (2021) General Assembly (GA) of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC);
      • [3.2.3]    To convey this proposal by means of a letter from General Synod 2022 via the second clerk to the ICRC as soon as possible;
    • [3.3]    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
      • [3.3.1]    To ensure appropriate CanRC participation in ICRC activities;
      • [3.3.2]    To attend the next ICRC with a delegation of two voting members and two advisory members.
  • 3.2    From the CER report, the following:
    • 3.2.1    The ICRC continues to serve the 5 purposes listed in its constitution well. Those purposes are:
      • 1. to express and promote the unity of faith that the Member Churches have in Christ;
      • 2. to encourage the fullest ecclesiastical fellowship among the Member Churches;
      • 3. to facilitate and promote cooperation among the Member Churches in such areas as missions, theological education, and ministries of mercy;
      • 4. to study the common problems and issues that confront the Member Churches;
      • 5. to present a Reformed testimony to the world.
    • 3.2.2    In line with the decision of GS 2022, the CanRC moved that the membership of the Reformed Churches (liberated) (GKv) be terminated. This motion carried without opposition.
    • 3.2.3    “The CanRC have always played a big role in the ICRC and are positioned to continue to do so in the future.”
    • 3.2.4    “The ICRC has also been instrumental in helping build close personal ties with those in other churches serving on interchurch committees and coordinating activities among member churches.”
  • 3.3    The CER recommends that synod decide:
  • 3.3.1    To continue the membership of the CanRC in the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC);
    • 3.3.2    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
      • 3.3.2.1   To ensure appropriate CanRC participation in ICRC activities;
      • 3.3.2.2   To attend the next ICRC with a delegation of two voting members and two advisory members.
      • 3.3.2.3   To meet bi-laterally with as many delegations as possible from churches with whom the CanRC have ecumenical relations, prioritizing those who are not members of NAPARC;
      • 3.3.2.4   To submit its report on its activities with respect to the ICRC to the churches 6 months prior to the convening of the next general synod.

4.   Considerations

  • 4.1    With thankfulness to the Lord, the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC) continues to be a useful forum to promote harmony and unity among Reformed and Presbyterian churches worldwide.
  • 4.2    “Having four members of the CRCA attend the ICRC was beneficial in the past and this practice should be maintained.” (GS 2013 art. 167 cons. 3.2)
  • 4.3    It may not be possible, timewise, to meet with all churches with whom we have ecumenical relations. Since bi-laterals occur at every NAPARC, which takes place annually, prioritizing bi-laterals with non-NAPARC members at the ICRC, which takes place once every four years, is a stewardly use of opportunity.

5.   Recommendations

That Synod decide:

  • 5.1    To continue the membership of the CanRC in the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC);
  • 5.2    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
    • 5.2.1    To ensure appropriate CanRC participation in the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC) activities;
    • 5.2.2    To attend the next ICRC with a delegation of two voting members and up to two advisory members.
    • 5.2.3    To meet bi-laterally with as many delegations as possible from churches with whom the CanRC have ecumenical relations, prioritizing those who are not members of NAPARC;
    • 5.2.4    To submit its report on its activities with respect to the ICRC to the churches no later than six (6) months prior to the convening of the next general synod.

ADOPTED