1. To offer a sister church relationship to the EPCI and the RPCI.
2. To work towards a sister church relationship with the FCS.

1. We have recognised the FCS and the EPCI as faithful churches of the Lord Jesus Christ where the marks of the true church are present (see Acts of Synod 1983, Art.75; Acts of Synod 1987, Art.82; Acts of Synod 1990, Art.127, 139, 147).
2. No outstanding unresolved issues exist with the EPCI. The matter of pulpit exchanges needs to be discussed with the FCS, but deputies consider that can be done within a sister church relationship.
3. It is common knowledge that a split has occurred within the FCS. Deputies have not been mandated to investigate this in any way. This matter will require deputies' attention to work towards a sister church relationship.
4. Before we reduced our relations of Temporary Ecclesiastical Contact with the FCS and the EPCI we had decided, "to work towards sister relations with those churches with whom we presently have Temporary Ecclesiastical Contact." (see Acts of Synod 1992, Art.95).
5. The decision of our 1994 Synod stipulated that "to break off relations with the EPCI and the FCS can only be done if these churches are found to be unfaithful." (see Acts of Synod 1994, Art.111). These churches have not been found to be unfaithful. This decision, which is binding, should then be kept. Integrity in our inter-church relations is as important as integrity in personal relations (see Joshua 9: 19-20).
6. Our recognition (or confirmation of it) of the EPCI and FCS as true and faithful churches came in 1987. This was before we made the subsequent decision in 1990 to concentrate on churches geographically closer to us. It is thus inappropriate to impose these restrictions on relations entered into before this decision. We must keep our original word and agreement (Psalm 15:4).
7. Since 1994 there has been virtually no contact, as stipulated by our own decision (Acts of Synod 1994, Art.111). Thus we cannot complain about lack of progress with these churches. We decided to "continue contact/relations with the PCEA, FCS, EPCI, and RPCI at a low level (passing on Acts and greetings, etc.) leaving the discussions in abeyance." For we needed time for ourselves internally to come to a consensus about presbyterian churches.
8. The rules for sister church relations need to be discussed with both bonds, as to their viability.

1. Synod 1992 considered that "the evidence of deputies regarding the marks of the true church, combined with their sentiment that 'the investigation is finished', give reason for the FRCA to adopt the recommendation of deputies 'to recognise the RPCI as true and faithful churches of the Lord,' and consequently to offer them a sister church relationship." Also deputies have concluded that no outstanding unresolved issues exist with respect to the RPCI.
2. The requirement that the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Australia (a sister church of the RPCI) needs to be investigated prior to entering into a relationship cannot be sustained. This matter was placed on synod's table. Yet although synod drew the churches' attention to this matter, none of the churches has seen fit to request to have the RPCA investigated. (see Acts of Synod 1992, Art.157).
3. Since 1994 there has been virtually no contact, as stipulated by our own decision (Acts of Synod 1994, Art.111). Thus we cannot complain about lack of progress with these churches. We decided to "continue contact/relations with the PCEA, FCS, EPCI, and RPCI at a low level (passing on Acts and greetings, etc.) leaving the discussions in abeyance." For we needed time for ourselves internally to come to a consensus about presbyterian churches.
4. The rules for sister church relations need to be discussed with the RPCI, as to their viability.

1. To offer a fraternal relationship to the EPCI and the RPCI.
2. To work towards a fraternal relationship with the FCS.

1. A church does not become faithful or unfaithful on the basis of our findings or recognition. The decision to phase out contact is not based on our judgment that these churches are unfaithful (contra Acts of Synod 1994, Art.111; Acts of Synod 2000, Art.63).
2. As a small bond of churches it is important and practical for us to concentrate on relations and contacts with churches who are geographically or historically closer to us and for whom we have greater responsibility. (see Acts of Synod 1990, Art.58). Since these churches are in the same geographical area as our Dutch sister churches we can allow them to exercise relations with these churches in a meaningful way.
3. We could not come to a decision to enter into sister church relations or fraternal relations with these churches.

Decision:
To suspend contact with the FCS, the EPCI, and the RPCI until we are in a position to do justice to a sister church relationship in view of resources and further clarity is reached in relations close to home.

Grounds:

ADOPTED

Concerning the Reformed Free Churches of the Philippines:

Grounds:

Concerning the Free Reformed Churches of the Philippines:

1. Contact has been established only through one person and it is not sure that his opinion reflects the attitude of all the churches.
2. If these churches are willing to receive it, they need well-considered support.

1. There shall be good consultation and as much cooperation as possible with churches in our own bond and sister churches who offer support to the same churches. Such consultation and cooperation should also extend to aid organisations (from within our churches/sister churches) who offer support to these churches. Care should be taken not to duplicate support that may already be given by other organizations.
2. Each request for support must as much as possible be channelled via the respective deputies of their churches. Support will be sent as much as possible via these deputies. Our deputies are responsible for proper distribution of funds.
3. Each project must build up the biblical, reformed character of church-life, or help overcome impediments in church-life.
4. Each request for support should be well documented and include 5. Support given must keep in mind certain practical principles 6. The deputies at home shall keep the churches, which offer this support informed so that support can also be accompanied with prayer for these churches. Such information should be offered at the start of a project, during the time a project is in progress and at its completion. At its completion an evaluation of the project can be given.
7. The deputies shall report to the next synod about any support given.
8. The deputies will have an independent, competent third party audit its books and this audit will be passed on to the churches.

1. There shall be consultation and as much cooperation as possible between deputies and all others involved in providing support in these churches. This prevents duplication of support; the unequal distribution of support (causing envy, jealousy, etc.); and enables support to be given in a more effective manner.
2. While recognising the difficulties of communication, education, and travel, it is nevertheless important to as much as possible channel support via the deputies of these churches. Since there are difficulties in holding their deputies fully accountable, the onus for accountability must fall on our deputies.

The following amendment was voted on.

Decision:
Amend Decision 4 "Request the churches to contribute the proceeds of three full collections per year for our own theological library and theological training".

ADOPTED

1. Recognise that establishing our own seminary may be out of reach for the present time but not to despise the day of small things (Zech 4:10), and thus to keep this matter in the mandate for deputies, ad art 17, C.O.
2. Recognise that establishing a library needs much time and effort and it would be good to start that sooner rather than later, and thus to leave it in the mandate for deputies.
3. Request the churches to contribute $40 per communicant member per year for the maintenance of Hamilton as from 1 January 2004.
4. Request the churches to contribute the proceeds of three full collections per year for our own theological library and theological training.
5. Set aside $5,500 for the costs of a visit to Australia by Professor Geertsema as a guest lecturer from Hamilton, together with his wife.
6. Discharge Deputies and to appoint new deputies with the mandate to:

1. Deputies show that at the present time our own theological training for ministry seems impossible, but one does also need to look to the future in faith. The Lord teaches us not to despise the day of small beginnings (Zech 4:10).
2. Experience teaches that starting a theological library is a massive undertaking and it is unrealistic to start this at the same time as one opens a seminary. Moreover, a theological library might be combined with the one for the training of reformed teachers, and it can have benefits for our own churches.
3. It is good to continue our contributions for the Theological College in Hamilton. They indeed appreciate our support and in a way depend on it.
4. It is good to start with theological training in a small way by collecting funds for a library as well as for theological training in general.

The following amendment was voted on before the above decision was adopted.

Decision:
Amend Decision 3 to increase the contribution to $50 per communicant member.

DEFEATED

1. To thank Rev vanRongen for the work done, and discharge him.
2. To accept the Church Order as Rev vanRongen has presented it (2.1 of deputy's report), and have it published as an Appendix to these Acts.
3. Appoint a deputy to have the Church Order published in booklet form to fit in the Book of Praise.
4. To accept the Ecclesiastical Documents as Rev vanRongen has revised them (3.1 of deputy's report), and appoint a deputy to have copies of these Ecclesiastical Documents prepared for use by churches and classes.
5. To have the Rules for Synod as amended by Rev vanRongen (3.3 of deputy's report) printed in these Acts.
6. To retract the decisions of (see 5.1 of deputy's report) 7. To recognise that the following decisions (see 5.1 of deputy's report) are outdated:

1. Rev vanRongen has carried out his task well.
2. The church of West Kelmscott and Classis South request Synod to act according to the recommendations mentioned in 5.1 and 5.2.
3. The revised Church Order and Ecclesiastical Documents should be made available to the churches.
4. The Church Order regulates the examination of students of theology. Now that classes have been formed, the ad hoc decisions of Synod on the point are obsolete.
5. It is pointless to declare the decisions of Item 7 above outdated since these were dated decisions made in a context when classes did not function.

1. the following instruction be inserted between the Regulations 1.3 and 1.4 (with subsequent numbering altered): 2. Rule 1.5 (currently 1.4) be altered to read: "Confidential matters must be sent to delegates and alternates only."

1. The current Regulations mandate the convening church to send copies of the Provisional Draft Agenda only to the churches. Mail sent to the churches is intended for the churches and not for the delegates.
2. Now that delegates are appointed by classis, the churches should not be responsible to hand over or copy church mail for the benefit of delegates who 'happen' to belong to their congregation.
3. Delegates need time to prepare themselves well for Synod, and so should have the relevant material as early as feasible.
4. A correspondence channel between the Convening Church and delegates makes expedient an altered arrangement regarding confidential agenda items.

First Clerk

General Convener: Rev C Bouwman
General Secretary: J L van Burgel

to take care of the central post office box;

to distribute the mail;

to act as recording clerk for the combined meetings;

to be responsible for the website of the FRCA; and

to acknowledge correspondence not applicable to deputies, and if necessary to pass it on to the churches.

Rev C Bouwman
A Breen
A M C Bruning
H J Dekker
Rev W Huizinga (Convener)
G B Veenendaal
Alternate: N. Louw

A Plug
Rev J Poppe
J L van Burgel
Rev A van Delden (Convener)
Alternate: H Ballast

B Bosveld
J(ohn) Bosveld
Rev P K A de Boer (Convener)
W Geurts
R Huizenga
Rev W van der Jagt
Alternate: P VanDyke

Rev J Kroeze (Convener)
G Reitsema
Rev A Veldman
J Wielstra
Alternate: D Veltkamp

W Amoraal
D Pot (Convener)
E(lton) Swarts

Rev C Bouwman (Convener)
H Faas
M(urray) Plug
A van Leeuwen
Alternate: R(ichard) Heerema

J Eikelboom
Advisor: Rev G van Rongen

T Houweling
W Spyker (Primary Responsibility)

E 't Hart
A van der Wal

For Classis South: For Classis North:

Rev P K A deBoer
J Eikelboom
Rev W vanderJagt (Convenor)
Advisor: Rev G van Rongen

The Church of Launceston

The Church of Mount Nasura