Agenda Item 8cc - Letter FRC Byford re Deputies Report PCEA
Agenda Item 8dd - Letter FRC Byford re Deputies Report Korea

Synod declares the submissions inadmissible.

Ground:

The submissions came in too late (6 July 2006).

ADOPTED

Agenda Item 11b - Overture re change the name of the FRCA to ARC

Classis South makes an overture to the Synod to change the name of the Free Reformed Churches of Australia to the Australian Reformed Churches.

Grounds:

1. This name more accurately portrays our status as Australian Church of our Lord Jesus Christ and removes the confusing addition which is not readily understood by our fellow citizens without extensive reference to the history of our sister churches in the Netherlands.
   
   
2. It is felt that this name will go a long way in removing the perceived stigma of "Dutch" church which many feel could be a stumbling block for effective outreach work amongst our fellow citizens.
   
   
3. This name is also more in harmony with the name of our sister churches in English-speaking countries overseas, eg. Canadian Reformed Churches, further removing confusion regarding our status.
   
   
4. Investigation with the Department of Consumer and Employer Protection has revealed that this name is readily available for registration.
   
   
5. Recent moves by the Reformed Churches of Australia to change their name to Christian Reformed Churches of Australia removes any confusion there might have been with our proposed name if their name had still been Reformed Churches of Australia.

DEFEATED

Recommendation:

Not to change the name of the bond of the churches.

Grounds:

1. The churches have used the name Free Reformed Churches of Australia ever since their first institution and have already become well known by this name in this country.
   
   
2. The present name reflects the history of the churches.
   
   
3. There is insufficient evidence to prove that a different name would rid the churches of the "Dutch" stigma.
   
   
4. By changing the name a burden would be imposed on the churches to change their incorporation act.

Amendment 1:

Add "perceived" to Ground 3 to read "perceived Dutch stigma".

ADOPTED

Amendment 2:

Delete Ground 2.

DEFEATED

Amendment 3:

Delete Ground 4.

DEFEATED

Not to change the name of the bond of the churches.

Grounds:

1. The churches have used the name Free Reformed Churches of Australia ever since their first institution and have already become well known by this name in this country.
   
   
2. The present name reflects the history of the churches.
   
   
3. There is insufficient evidence to prove that a different name would rid the churches of the perceived "Dutch" stigma.
   
   
4. By changing the name a burden would be imposed on the churches to change their incorporation act.

ADOPTED

Agenda Item 12l - Report on Archives and Library of Synod

1. To accept the report from the FRC Mt Nasura responsible for the Synod Archives and Library.
   
   
2. To thank the Deputies for their work and discharge them.

Ground:

The archives and library were well cared for.

ADOPTED