GS 2016 – Article 34

4. Recommendations:

That Synod decide:

3.1    To express gratitude to the Burlington-Rehoboth and Edmonton-Providence CanRC for their report;

3.2    To reappoint these two churches to implement Article 54 CO as needed.

ADOPTED

GS 2010 – Article 98

3. Considerations

3.1       It is understandable that the church at Cloverdale is concerned about the abuses of Canada’s Human Rights Commissions.

3.2       This request does not pose an immediate crisis for the life of the church and the nation.

3.3       The churches at Burlington-Waterdown and Edmonton-Providence were therefore correct in denying this request.

4. Recommendation

That Synod decide to thank Edmonton-Providence and Burlington-Waterdown for their report.

ADOPTED

GS 2004 – Article 40

The following was adopted:

4. Considerations

4.1   Synod has not received a report from the churches appointed for days of prayer ad Article 54 C.O. concerning their activities. While this may not have been done in the past, all committees or churches appointed by general synod should forward a report to synod on their activities.

4.2   It is understandable that the church at Winnipeg (Redeemer) is concerned about the current moral state of our nation.

4.3   Synod agrees with the church at Winnipeg (Redeemer) that the explanation given, for example, the phrase “does not yet affect the churches as churches,” is not helpful in that it provides no clarity as to the application of Article 54.

4.4   Article 54 states “In time of war, general calamities, and other great afflictions the presence of which is felt throughout the churches….” The plain reading of this article does not include the issue of general moral decline as reason for calling a day of prayer. “The examples mentioned in the Church Order make clear that these afflictions must be of an acute nature, of extreme severity and posing an immediate crisis for the life of the church and or the nation.” (cf. Letter to the editor by Rev. J.D. Wielenga, Clarion, Vol. 38 No. 23 [November 10, 1989], p. 502.)

4.5   The general moral decline of our nation should be a constant matter of congregational prayers.

5. Recommendations

Synod decide:

5.1   To provide Consideration 4.4 to serve the church at Winnipeg (Redeemer) as the clarification of Article 54 C.O.

5.2   To deny the request of the church at Winnipeg (Redeemer).