Office Bearers

GS 2025 Article 37 – CWeb (Official Website)

1.   Material

  • 1.1    Report of the Committee for the Official Website (CWeb) (8.2.5.1).

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. 44) mandated the Committee for the Official Website (CWeb) to maintain and update the federation website and email infrastructure, provide English translations of historic Dutch Acts, and serve as administrators of the minister email list.
  • 3.2    GS 2022 (art. 30 dec. 3.2) also instructed the CWeb to use the canrc.org website to direct appropriate correspondence to the Address Church.
  • 3.3    The CWeb reported that:
    • 3.3.1    It has continued regular maintenance of the website, including content updates and posting of news items.
    • 3.3.2    Minor technical improvements have been made, including better formatting for press releases and background improvements for efficiency.
    • 3.3.3    It is testing a new control panel to allow churches to update their own information.
    • 3.3.4    Email forwarding via Mailgun is functioning well, though spam remains a challenge.
    • 3.3.5    The minister email list (via Gaggle Mail) is functioning effectively.
    • 3.3.6    Help desk software (Help Scout) has been adopted and is proving helpful for team-based correspondence.
    • 3.3.7    Translation work on the Acts of Synod 1954, 1958, 1962, and 1965 is ongoing, with the 1965 Acts near publication and the others in progress.
    • 3.3.8    A new committee member will be needed to replace br. Jonathan Reinink.
  • 3.4    The CWeb requests:
    • 3.4.1    Clarification regarding compensation for translation work.
    • 3.4.2    Approval of a $10,900 budget for 2025–2028, covering hosting, email, and help desk expenses.
    • 3.4.3    Additional funding for translation work.
    • 3.4.4    Renewal of its existing mandate.
  • 3.5    There is no mention in the CWeb’s report of it directing appropriate correspondence to the Address Church.

4.   Considerations

  • 4.1    The CWeb has faithfully and effectively executed its mandate, ensuring the continued functionality and improvement of the federation’s digital infrastructure.
  • 4.2    The ongoing translation project is a valuable service to the churches and merits continued support.
  • 4.3    While the CWeb requests additional funds for this translation work, it would have been helpful for the committee to propose a specific amount.
  • 4.4    The proposed general budget and continuation of the current mandate are reasonable and appropriate.
  • 4.5    Appointing a new member will ensure continued stability and effectiveness of the CWeb’s work.
  • 4.6    Since Synod 2022 (art. 30, dec. 3.2) instructed the CWeb to use the canrc.org website to direct correspondence to the Address Church, it is appropriate to include in the CWeb’s mandate a corresponding responsibility to enable this functionality on the federation website.

5.   Recommendations

That Synod decide:

  • 5.1    To thank the Committee for the Official Website (CWeb) for its diligent work in maintaining and improving the federation’s digital and email infrastructure.
  • 5.2    To approve the proposed budget of $10,900 for the 2025–2028 period, to cover ongoing hosting, email forwarding, minister email list, and help desk software expenses.
  • 5.3    To approve additional funds up to a maximum of $7,500 from the General Fund for the translation of the Acts of Synod 1954, 1958, 1962, and 1965, and to instruct the committee to coordinate with the Church for the General Fund and/or treasurer in establishing appropriate compensation arrangements.
  • 5.4    To renew the CWeb’s mandate with the following tasks:
    • 5.4.1    To maintain the existing website and associated technical functions.
    • 5.4.2    To revise the content of the website as needed, including:
      • 5.4.2.1   Posting news items and official documents.
      • 5.4.2.2   Annual auditing of site content against the yearbook.
      • 5.4.2.3   Maintaining synodical committee pages with up-to-date information.
      • 5.4.2.4   Posting synod reports prior to the next general synod.
    • 5.4.3    To make available English translations of the Acts of Synod 1954, 1958, 1962, and 1965, and to submit related expenses to the General Fund.
    • 5.4.4    To provide email forwarding from @canrc.org addresses upon request.
    • 5.4.5    To administer the minister email list.
    • 5.4.6    To validate and submit all committee expenses to the treasurer of the General Fund.
    • 5.4.7    To report to the churches no later than six (6) months prior to the next general synod.
    • 5.4.8    To use the canrc.org website to direct appropriate correspondence to the Address Church, in accordance with the decision of GS 2022 (art. 30 dec.3.2).
  • 5.5    To appoint a new member to the CWeb to replace br. Jonathan Reinink and to receive the nomination under separate cover.

ADOPTED