GS 2025 Article 137 – GGRCI (Calvinist Reformed Churches in Indonesia)
1. Material
- 1.1 Committee for Ecumenical Relations (CER) Report 16: The Calvinist Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRCI) (8.2.10.16).
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. 126) decided:
- [3.1] To continue ecclesiastical fellowship (EF) with the Calvinist Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRCI);
- [3.2] To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
- [3.2.1] To try to send a delegation of brothers to Indonesia to represent the CanRC at the next national synod of the GGRCI;
- [3.2.2] To work in consultation and cooperation with the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA) and United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA) in encouraging and supporting the churches of the GGRCI in their efforts to grow in Reformed doctrine and polity;
- [3.2.3] To work in consultation and cooperation with the Smithville CanRC given their mission work in Timor;
- [3.2.4] As opportunity arises, to be available for discussions with a view to promoting ecclesiastical harmony and unity between faithful Reformed churches in Indonesia;
- [3.2.5] To submit its report to the churches six months prior to the convening of the next general synod.
- 3.2 From the CER report, the following:
- 3.2.1 The “GGRCI Synod took place in an orderly way in good brotherly harmony.”
- 3.2.2 New government regulations are pushing the GGRCI and the GGRI toward closer cooperation.
- 3.2.3 The GGRCI is experiencing challenges around theological training.
- 3.2.4 The GGRCI terminated the relationship with the Reformed Churches in The Netherlands (liberated) (GKv).
- 3.2.5 “There are numerous reasons for the CanRC to continue to maintain a meaningful relationship with the GGRCI. The Toronto-Bethel CanRC and the Smithville CanRC have (had) mission fields in Indonesia. Across Canada, many CanRC members are involved with work among impoverished children and families in Timor and Sumba; the organizations Word & Deed and Canadian Reformed World Relief Fund (CRWRF) have played key roles in this.”
- 3.2.6 “The recent visit of members of the CER to GS-GGRCI 2022 demonstrates the importance of continuing EF and of being available for offering input, encouragement, and support where needed.”
- 3.2.7 “By working together with the FRCA and URCNA, [the] CanRC will be able to support the GGRCI and foster unity among Reformed churches in Indonesia. Given the mission work of Smithville in Indonesia, which impacts both the GGRI and the GGRCI, it is important for the CER to share information concerning its findings with Smithville.”
- 3.3 The CER recommends that Synod decide:
- 3.3.1. To continue ecclesiastical fellowship (EF) Category A with the Reformed Calvinist Churches in Indonesia (GGRCI);
- 3.3.2. To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
- 3.3.2.1 To send a delegation of brothers to Indonesia to represent the CanRC at the next synod of the GGRCI;
- 3.3.2.2 To work in consultation and cooperation with the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA) and the United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA) in encouraging and supporting the churches of the GGRCI in their efforts to grow in Reformed doctrine and polity;
- 3.3.2.3 As opportunity arises, to be available for discussions to promote ecclesiastical harmony and unity between faithful Reformed churches in Indonesia;
- 3.3.2.4 To work in consultation and cooperation with the Smithville CanRC;
- 3.3.2.5 To submit its report on its activities with respect to the GGRCI to the churches 6 months prior the convening of the next general synod.
4. Considerations
- 4.1 The Calvinist Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRCI) continue to display the marks of true and faithful churches of Jesus Christ. Given frequent interaction and a shared recent history, a close relationship between the CanRC and the GGRCI is mutually beneficial.
- 4.2 Sending delegates to Indonesia to represent the CanRC at their major assemblies is essential for maintaining a well-functioning ecclesiastical relationship in this cultural context.
- 4.3 Given that the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA) are closer to Indonesia than the CanRC, it is prudent that the CER share information with these churches and work in close conjunction with them, as well as with the United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA).
- 4.4 By working together with the FRCA and URCNA, the CanRC will be able to support the GGRCI and foster unity among Reformed churches in Indonesia.
- 4.5 Given the mission work of the Smithville CanRC in Indonesia, which impacts both the GGRI and the GGRCI, it is important for the CER to share information concerning its findings with Smithville.
5. Recommendations
That Synod decide:
- 5.1 To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) Category A with the Calvinist Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRCI);
- 5.2. To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
- 5.2.1 To send a delegation of brothers to Indonesia to represent the CanRC at the next synod of the Calvinist Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRCI);
- 5.2.2 To work in consultation and cooperation with the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA) and the United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA) in encouraging and supporting the churches of the GGRCI in their efforts to grow in Reformed doctrine and polity;
- 5.2.3 As opportunity arises, to be available for discussions to promote ecclesiastical harmony and unity between faithful Reformed churches in Indonesia;
- 5.2.4 To work in consultation and cooperation with the Smithville CanRC;
- 5.2.5 To submit its report on its activities with respect to the GGRCI to the churches no later than six (6) months prior the convening of the next general synod.