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Saturday 12th July 2003 - Morning Session
Article 61 - Re-Opening
Elder W Vanderven reopens Synod by asking Synod to sing from Psalm 33:1, 2 & 6.
He then reads Psalm 33 from Scripture and leads in prayer.
All delegates are present.
Article 62 - FRC Byford Appeal 4b regarding Article 93 Synod 2003
(refer Article 48,
49,
52,
53,
54,
58)
Material:
Agenda Items 8d 8k 8w 11e 8qq 8s 8dd
Synod continued discussion regarding the appeals concerning fraternal relations with the RCNZ.
Material:
Agenda Items 8d Appeal 4 - The Consistory of the Free Reformed Church of Byford requests Synod 2003 to declare that the adopted decision of Article 93, Acts of Synod 2000, is contrary to Scripture, the Confessions and the Church Order. (Full text in Appendix 2).
Decision Appeal 4
Not to accede to Byford's appeal that the decision of Art 93 Synod 2000 is contrary to Scripture, Confession and Church Order.
Grounds:
1. Byford does not prove that the decision of Synod 2000 Art.93 is against Scripture and confession. Previous synods have noted that the marks of the true church are present in the RCNZ.
2. The decision was made in principle to allow the churches to work towards a greater unity, and thus was church orderly (see Synod 2000 Art.93, Ground 3).
3. Art 30 CO allows for churches to bring matters directly to Synod if they pertain to the churches as a whole.
4. Art.67 of Acts1985 is intended to discourage the churches from declaring churches true and faithful without giving practical and visible expression to that declaration in the form of an ecclesiastical relationship. Synod 2000 rightly considered the latter part of decision 2, namely, "that historical developments may well give cause to several stumbling blocks still lying on the road to a practical realisation of unity." The decision of Synod 2000 is in accordance with this intent.
5. Art.74 of Acts 1985 points to the fact that the ultimate aim of a relationship with another church should be sister relations. The decision of Synod 2000 to propose fraternal relations was in line with this ultimate aim.
6. Past synods have not required the RCNZ to break ties with the CRCA but have expressed appreciation for the manner in which the RCNZ use their relationship to admonish their erring sister.
ADOPTED
Article 63 - Clarification by Rev Flinn and Farewell
Rev Flinn was asked to make some clarifications regarding Agenda Item 8qq - "FRC Byford notes regarding developments in RCNZ".
These comments were appreciated in clarifying certain matters.
This is the last session of Synod that Rev Flinn will be attending. He addressed synod with words of thanks for the hospitality shown and the opportunity to be in our midst. He also encouraged Synod to continue talking with each other.
The chairman in return spoke Christian words of farewell.
Article 64 - Adjournment
After inviting Synod to sing Hymn 46: 1&2 , Rev Huizinga closed in prayer.
The Chairman adjourns Synod to Monday, 14 July 2003 at 9.00am
last updated 22 Jul 2003
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