GS 2025 Article 151 – GGRI (Reformed Churches in Indonesia)
1. Material
- 1.1 Committee for Ecumenical Relations (CER) Report 15: Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRI) (8.2.10.15).
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. 125) decided:
- [3.1] To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) with the Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRI);
- [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 GGRI;
- [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 GGRI 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 6 months prior to the convening of the next general synod.
- 3.2 From the CER report, the following:
- 3.2.1 The CER continues to provide advice in dealing with practical matters, for example the difficulties when dealing with government and theological education.
- 3.2.2 The GGRI is looking at the possibility of establishing a relationship with the GGRI-T.
- 3.2.3 The GGRI is investing time into ecumenical relations beyond the CanRC.
- 3.2.4 The churches within the GGRI inform each other about decisions made in their respective Regional Synods and help each other navigate various challenges and theological matters.
- 3.2.5 There are strong reasons to maintain our relationship with the GGRI. The CanRC has historical mission fields in Indonesia and continues to support churches in Papua. Across Canada, CanRC members are involved in aiding impoverished children and families in Timor and Sumba, with organizations like Word & Deed and CRWRF playing significant roles. As the Dutch Reformed Churches (former GKv, now NGK) withdraw from Indonesia, the GGRI look to the CanRC and the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA) for support, appreciating the input from CanRC’s fraternal delegates.
- 3.2.6 The GGRI is increasingly concerned about the direction of the GKv (now NGK).
- 3.2.7 The GGRI show that they remain faithful churches.
- 3.2.7.1 “By working together with the FRCA and [the] URCNA, the CanRC will be able to support the GGRI 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 Churches in Indonesia (GGRI);
- 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 national synod of the GGRI;
- 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 GGRI 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 GGRI to the churches 6 months prior the convening of the next general synod.
4. Considerations
- 4.1 The Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRI) continue to display the marks of a true and faithful church of Jesus Christ. Given frequent interaction and a shared recent history, a close relationship between the CanRC and GGRI 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 very involved in Indonesia, 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 the URCNA, the CanRC will be able to support the GGRI and foster unity among Reformed churches in Indonesia.
- 4.5 Given the mission work of Smithville in Indonesia, which impacts both the GGRI and the Calvinist Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRCI), it is important for the CER to share information concerning its findings with the Smithville CanRC.
5. Recommendations
That Synod decide:
- 5.1 To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) Category A with the Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRI);
- 5.2 To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
- 5.2.1 To send a delegation to Indonesia to represent the CanRC at the next national synod of the Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRI);
- 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 GGRI 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 GGRI to the churches no later than six (6) months prior the convening of the next general synod.