GS 2025 Article 84 – IRB (Reformed Churches in Brazil)
1. Material
- 1.1 Committee for Ecumenical Relations (CER) Report 14: Reformed Churches in Brazil (IRB) (8.2.10.14).
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. 124) decided:
- [3.1] To express gratitude for the continued desire of the IRB to grow in knowledge and faithfulness;
- [3.2] To continue Ecclesiastical Fellowship (EF) with the Reformed Churches of Brazil (IRB) under the adopted rules;
- [3.3] To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
- [3.3.1] To use every opportunity to have contact with the IRB and to provide encouragement to this federation of churches;
- [3.3.2] To visit the IRB at least twice before the next synod;
- [3.3.3] To work in consultation and cooperation with the Aldergrove CanRC and the Hamilton-Cornerstone CanRC given their mission work in Brazil;
- [3.3.4] To submit its report to the churches six months before the convening of the next general synod.
- 3.2 From the CER report, the following:
- 3.2.1 Observing the IRB Concílio at work gives reason for thankfulness. This young federation demonstrates a steady focus on building up the church, and a desire to remain faithful;
- 3.2.2 Our relationship is very important to both the IRB and CanRC churches. The CanRC can provide guidance, and the IRB reminds us to value and hold on to our rich heritage;
- 3.2.3 The IRB works hard at evangelism despite financial challenges. The churches have spread from the northeast into the south of Brazil;
- 3.2.4 The IRB demonstrates that they remain faithful churches. They abide by the Word of God as the only rule for faith and life and adhere to Reformed confessions and church order;
- 3.2.5 Finances, manpower, and education of new believers continues to be a significant challenge for the IRB;
- 3.3 The CER recommends that synod decide:
- 3.3.1 To express gratitude for the continued desire of the Reformed Churches in Brazil (IRB) to grow in knowledge and faithfulness;
- 3.3.2 To continue ecclesiastical fellowship (EF) Category A with the Reformed Churches of Brazil (IRB) under the adopted rules;
- 3.3.3 To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
- 3.3.3.1 To use every opportunity to have contact with the IRB and to provide encouragement to this federation of churches;
- 3.3.3.2 To visit the IRB at least twice before the next general synod of the CanRC;
- 3.3.3.3 To work in consultation and cooperation with the Aldergrove CanRC and the Hamilton (Cornerstone) CanRC given their mission work in Brazil;
- 3.3.3.4 To submit its report on its activities with respect to the IRB to the churches 6 months prior to the convening of the next general synod.
4. Considerations
- 4.1 The Reformed Churches in Brazil (IRB) 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 IRB is mutually beneficial.
- 4.2 The IRB is a very young federation with only one sister church, the CanRC. Our encouragement to them is sought and very much appreciated.
- 4.3 As sending churches, the Aldergrove CanRC and the Hamilton (Cornerstone) CanRC have a lot of insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the IRB, as well as having missionaries and mission aid workers on the ground.
5. Recommendations
That Synod decide:
- 5.1 To express gratitude for the continued desire of the Reformed Churches in Brazil (IRB) to grow in knowledge and faithfulness;
- 5.2 To continue ecclesiastical fellowship (EF) Category A with the Reformed Churches of Brazil (IRB) under the adopted rules;
- 5.3 To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
- 5.3.1 To use every opportunity to have contact with the Reformed Churches in Brazil (IRB) and to provide encouragement to this federation of churches;
- 5.3.2 To visit the IRB at least twice before the next general synod of the CanRC;
- 5.3.3 To work in consultation and cooperation with the Aldergrove CanRC and the Hamilton (Cornerstone) CanRC given their mission work in Brazil;
- 5.3.4 To submit its report on its activities with respect to the IRB to the churches no later than six (6) months prior to the convening of the next general synod.