MORNING SESSION - Monday, May 18, 1998

Article 91

Reopening

The chairman asks that Psalm 80: 1, 2, 3 be sung, reads from 1 John 5: 13 - 21, and leads In prayer. Roll call shows that all are present.

Article 92

Adoption of the Acts

Articles 79 - 90 of the Acts, pertaining to Friday, May 15, 1998, are adopted.

Article 93

Deputies for Ecclesiastical Unity

Committee IV presents their material on this matter. After discussion, the Committee takes it back for further consideration.

Article 94

The Relationship with the ERQ

Committee III presents their material on this matter. After discussion, the Committee takes it back for further consideration.

EVENING SESSION - MONDAY, MAY 18, 1998

Article 95

Reopening

The chairman asks that Hymn 38: 1, 2, 3, 4 be sung. Roll call shows that all are present.

Article 96

Deputies for Ecclesiastical Unity

Committee IV presents their material on this matter again. Committee IV presents:

Agenda items I.F, II.P, II.V, II.EE, IV.I, IV.P, IV.AA

1. MATERIAL

   1. Report of Deputies for Ecclesiastical Unity;

   2. Letters from the churches at Hamilton, Surrey, Rockway, London, Taber, and the Ebenezer Canadian Reformed Church at Burlington.

2. INTRODUCTION

   General Synod Abbotsford 1995 re-appointed Deputies for the promotion of Ecclesiastical Unity to promote the unity of Reformed believers who have left the Christian Reformed Church with the mandate:

   1. to make their presence known for the purpose of information and consultation wherever necessary.

   2. to make themselves available for advice on local developments.

   3. to represent the churches, whenever invited, at assemblies or meetings held for the purpose of pursuing ecclesiastical unity;

   4. to report on its activities to the churches and to the next General Synod. (Acts General Synod Abbotsford 1995, Art. V.B.).

3. OBSERVATIONS

   1. Deputies remember with gratitude the work that the late Rev. J. D. Wielenga did as deputy.

   2. From the report of deputies, synod takes note of the following activities

      1. Our churches were represented at meetings of the Alliance of Reformed Churches on November 14-16, 1995, November 11-13, 1996, October 16 and 17, 1997. Dr. J. DeJong was invited to prepare a memorandum to the committee on the church order as it was being discussed among the Alliance churches. The church order was later adopted at the synod of the URCNA in 1997. Deputies hope to continue discussions on the church order with the Committee of Inter Church Relations of the United Reformed Churches (URCNA).

      2. Deputies sent a delegation to the first Synod of the United Reformed Churches, held on October 1 and 2, 1996, in Lynwood, when the URCNA federated. Deputies also attended the second Synod of the URCNA, held October 21-23, 1997. There is rapid growth in the URC; there is much movement and flux in these churches.

      3. The Inter-Church Relations Committee of the UCRNA reports to synod gave considerable priority to the relation of the URC to the Canadian Reformed Churches, but the Synod itself pursued a policy of treating Reformed and Presbyterian churches equally. This has led deputies to believe that "federative unity has become much more of a long term option than before." They see the decision to establish fraternal relations with twelve other national and foreign church federations as implying "that the specific goal of federative unity with Reformed churches of a more immediate range and historical background has been let go in favour of a broader policy on ecumenical relations."

      4. In December 1996, a letter of support and encouragement was sent to the Inter-Classical Conference organizing Committee, based in Escondido, California. Many churches in the conference are considering secession from the CRC.

      5. The committee was also invited to send a delegate to the Classis East of the Orthodox Christian Reformed Churches. They see this as an opportunity to initiate talks on a local level, after which overtures can be presented to major assemblies for the purpose of attaining federative unity.

      6. Several churches of our federation informed the committee of their work and asked for advice in their discussions with independent churches.

   3. Proposal from the deputies

      Deputies propose that Synod make the following additions/modifications to their mandate:

      1. that deputies be instructed to pursue continued fraternal dialogue with the United Reformed Churches in North America with a view towards establishing federative unity;

      2. that deputies pursue a more restricted involvement in the Alliance of Reformed Churches with a view to pursuing federative unity with unfederated (independent) Reformed Churches;

      3. that deputies represent the churches (when invited) at meetings of the Orthodox Christian Reformed Churches, with a view to promoting greater understanding and exploring possibilities of federative unity;

      4. that a new deputy be appointed from western Canada to fill the vacancy among the deputies created by the loss of Rev. J.D. Wielenga.

   4. Overtures from the churches

      1. The Council of the Cornerstone Canadian Reformed Church at Hamilton overtures synod to:

         1. investigate with Deputies from the United Reformed Churches the possibility of a federative unity between the Canadian Reformed Churches and the United Reformed Churches in North America, and

         2. present to the churches a report on this investigation, one year before the next General Synod of the Canadian Reformed Churches.

         Since 1992, the Council of the Cornerstone Canadian Reformed Church at Hamilton has been engaged in discussions with the Rehoboth United Reformed Church (formerly the Hamilton Independent CRC). Through these discussions, Council of the Cornerstone Canadian Reformed Church at Hamilton and the Rehoboth United Reformed Church recognized each other as true churches of the Lord Jesus Christ, according to our confession in Art. 27-32 of the Belgic Confession. Classis Ontario-South, while expressing great joy over the fact that this recognition could be given, felt that implementation of this recognition is not permitted according to the Church Order, since such an arrangement appears to be a matter of the churches in common. The Cornerstone Canadian Reformed Church respects this decision, and consequently brought this matter to General Synod. They expect the Rehoboth United Reformed Church to place a similar overture on the agenda of their major assembly.

         The specific grounds for this overture, then, are summarized:

         1. Contact between the Cornerstone Canadian Reformed Church and the Rehoboth United Reformed Church has continued for three years since these churches officially recognized each other as true churches according to our mutual confession.

         2. The decision of Classis Ontario-South, March 8 1995 obliged both Hamilton churches to question how to experience together the recognition given and how to give concrete content and meaning to the communion of saints.

         3. The United Reformed Churches have (since the given recognition) adopted the same confessional basis and the same liturgical forms as the Canadian Reformed Churches have.

         4. It is within the mandate of General Synod to deal with federative unity (Article 30 C.O.). It is important, however, that local contact is maintained at the same time as contact is in progress at the federative level.

      2. Maranatha Canadian Reformed Church at Surrey proposes:

         "To mandate the existing Committees for the Promotion of Ecclesiastical Unity and Contact with L'Eglise Reformee du Quebec or a new committee to work towards establishing a relationship of ecclesiastical fellowship with the United Reformed Churches, the Orthodox Reformed Churches, L'Eglise Reformee du Quebec and the Free Reformed Churches under the existing rules of Ecclesiastical Fellowship as a stepping stone towards possibly further federative unity in the future." The church at Taber supports this proposal.

      3. Rockway Canadian Reformed Church proposes:

         to appoint Deputies for Ecclesiastical Unity and to authorize these brothers to approach the Orthodox Christian Reformed Churches and the United Reformed Churches and the Free Reformed Churches for the purpose of engaging in official discussions with these bodies that are aimed towards ecclesiastical unity.

      4. The Ebenezer Canadian Reformed Church at Burlington-East proposes:

         "that deputies be instructed to pursue continued fraternal dialogue with the United Reformed Churches of North America and specifically explore and discuss the impediments towards establishing federative unity."

      5. The Fellowship Canadian Reformed Church at Burlington-South endorses the Hamilton overture and supports the recommendation of the deputies:

         "to continue fraternal dialogue with the URCNA with a view towards establishing federative unity."

      6. The Fellowship Canadian Reformed Church at Burlington-South informs synod that:

         "we regret that the Deputies' speech at the 1997 URCNA Synod appears to impose as a precondition to unity that there be "mutual understanding … that the Liberation of 1944 was an act of obedience and a necessary development. (Appendix 8)

      7. The Taber Canadian Reformed Church indicates agreement with point 2 of the proposed renewed deputies' mandate.

      8. The Pilgrim Canadian Reformed Church at London report on their contacts with the United Reformed Churches at Aylmer, Woodstock, London and Clinton. They express frustration because they perceive a lack of willingness on the part of the local URCs to deal with the real issues. The Canadian Reformed Church at London has taken the position that pulpit exchange is only possible in a sister-church relationship but notes that other Canadian Reformed ministers do not follow the same rule. They request synod if possible "to give some direction on this matter in their mandate to the DPEU."

4. CONSIDERATIONS

   1. Deputies are requesting a mandate that is generally more aggressive and focused in approach. This approach is consistent with our Scriptural calling for unity, and it also reflects the expressed desire of the churches to pursue substantial progress in this respect.

   2. Instead of being instructed to deal with those who "left the Christian Reformed Church" in general, deputies propose to continue dialogue in particular with the URCNA. Deputies do not need a specific mandate with respect to the Alliance of Reformed Churches because it is adequately covered in points 1,2 and 3 of their mandate.

   3. The proposal of the church at Rockway as well as the 'package' presented by Hamilton both acknowledge that their proposals should have gone to classis before coming to synod. The submission of the church at Surrey - supported by the Church at Taber - is a new proposal in the sense that it allows Ecclesiastical Fellowship as a stepping stone towards possible further federative unity. It is unfortunate that these proposals were not discussed in the minor assemblies before they came to General Synod. Since this was not done, General Synod can do no more than pass on these submissions to the deputies for discussion. The churches should be encouraged to bring these proposals to the minor assemblies, to resolve their differences there, so that the churches may proceed in a united and orderly fashion.

   4. The proposals from the churches at Hamilton, Surrey, and Rockway, and the supporting statement from Taber, offer suggestions on the procedure that should be followed in establishing federative unity. Deputies should be given some freedom, depending on what develops in the dialogue. They should also take into account the suggestions of these churches.

   5. With respect to the concern expressed by the Fellowship Canadian Reformed Church at Burlington-South, deputies at the 1997 URCNA Synod did not impose any preconditions to ecclesiastical unity. Instead they said that a mutual understanding and appreciation for the Liberation of 1944 would indicate that we have come a long way.

   6. From the reports submitted by the various churches, it appears that local discussions with the URC are encountering different obstacles and proceeding at different rates. In these circumstances it is appropriate that the churches inform the deputies appointed by General Synod of their positive and negative experiences. The deputies should also make themselves available to assist the local churches in particular matters. In this way the concerns expressed by the church at London are addressed.

   7. The church at Hamilton has proposed that deputies be instructed to report to the churches a year before the next synod. The current mandate of deputies is to report to the churches and to the next general synod. Deputies should be instructed to report regularly for the greater involvement of the churches.

   8. The proposal of the Ebenezer Church at Burlington is a good one. The desire of the churches to establish federative unity with the URCNA would be expeditiously accomplished by focusing on what impediments are keeping us apart, and how they can be resolved.

5. RECOMMENDATIONS

   Synod decide:

   1. To thank the deputies for their labours.

   2. To acknowledge, with gratitude to the Lord, the contribution of the late Rev. J.D. Wielenga to the work of the deputies.

   3. To rename the 'Deputies for Promotion of Ecclesiastical Unity': The 'Committee for the Promotion of Ecclesiastical Unity.'

   4. To appoint a committee, including a new committee member from western Canada to fill the vacancy created by the loss of Rev. J.D. Wielenga.

   5. To give this committee the following mandate:

      1. to make their presence known for the purpose of information and consultation wherever necessary;

      2. to represent the churches, whenever invited, at assemblies or meetings held for the purpose of pursuing ecclesiastical unity;

      3. to pursue continued fraternal dialogue with the United Reformed Churches in North America with a view towards establishing federative unity;

      4. to represent the churches (when invited) at meetings of the Orthodox Christian Reformed Churches, with a view to promoting greater understanding and exploring possibilities of federative unity;

      5. to make themselves available upon request of Canadian Reformed Churches for advice on local developments;

      6. to discuss and develop a proposal as to how to proceed in encouraging federative unity;

      7. to provide information to the churches at regular intervals, and to serve Synod 2001 with a report to be sent to the churches at least six months prior to the beginning of Synod.

ADOPTED

Article 97

Relationship with L'Église Réformée du Québec

Committee III presents: IA, IIJ, IIK, IIN, IIQ, IIR, IIY, IIAA, IIJJ, IILL, IIOO, IIVV, IIWW, IIZZ, IIAAA, IICCC, IV G, IV T (part 1).

1. MATERIAL

   1. Report of the Committee for Contact with l'Eglise Reformee du Quebec

   2. Letters from the churches at Watford, Chatham, Yarrow, Willoughby Heights, London, Attercliffe, Lincoln, Fergus, Burlington South, Calgary, Guelph, Houston, Grand Valley, Neerlandia, Elora, Orangeville, Burlington East.

2. INTRODUCTION

   General Synod Abbotsford 1995 gave the Committee for Contact with l'Eglise Reformee du Quebec (ERQ) the following mandate:

   1. To discuss with the deputies of the l'Eglise Reformee du Quebec the differences in Confession, Church Polity and worship which exist between our federations.

   2. To discuss with the deputies their relations with the Christian Reformed Church and the Presbyterian Church in America, and evaluate them;

   3. To further investigate whether it is possible to have the Canadian Reformed Churches and the l'Eglise Reformee du Quebec as part of the same federation;

   4. To make use of the report submitted by the church at Ottawa and Classis Ontario North;

   5. To keep the churches informed about the l'Eglise Reformee du Quebec so that their financial needs and other needs as missionary churches can be responded to in a positive manner;

   6. To serve Synod 98 with a report to be sent to the churches at least six months prior to the beginning of Synod.

3. OBSERVATIONS

   1. From the Committee Report:

      1. The ERQ bases its faith on the revealed Word of God as found in the Old and New Testament and has officially adopted the Westminster Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism as its confessional statements. The Committee did not evaluate the Westminster Standards since Synod 1965 already "considered and judged that a church federation maintaining the Presbyterian church government and subscribing to and upholding the Westminster Standards would be a product of the Calvinist Reformation and a true church of the Lord".

      2. The Preamble to the Westminster Confession, which was added by the founding synod of the ERQ in 1988, allows for freedom of conscience in relation to articles concerning the place of the political government in the life of the church, marriages with consanguinity, and in relation to the occupations and duties to be accomplished on the Lord's Day. Furthermore The Preamble does not bind the conscience to some of the polemical expressions found in the Westminster Confession.

      3. The Committee is of the opinion that no further discussion is necessary on The Preamble.

      4. At present the ERQ has no official relationships with any other church federations. Contacts are growing with the United Reformed Churches. The ERQ now has a Committee for Inter-Church Relations.

      5. The Committee states that a Reformed church polity shines through in the ODE (Order and Discipline of the ERQ). The Committee reports that though some weaknesses can be pointed out it does not articulate these weaknesses.

      6. The office of deacon is open to all members (2.4.3, pg. 29), in contrast to the office of elder which is restricted to the male gender (2.2.4, pg. 28). Thus the office of deacon is open to women. Deacons are not part of the ruling council of the church (5.1.2.1, pg. 10), deacons are "elected" and "ordained" to office. "Pastoral visits must be made part of the work of elders, ministers of the word and deacons under the direction of the local council. The purpose of these visits is to watch over the spiritual growth of the members and particularly their faith and their conduct. " (4.2.5, pg. 31). The Committee quotes Calvin's Institutes to prove that there were deaconesses in the early church.(5.1.2.3, pg. 11)
         

      7. "As in the CanRCs there is no officially adopted order of worship in the I'ERQ." (5.1.3, pg. 12). This same section adds that "there is one worship service a week, generally on Sunday morning" as well that "occasionally a minister from another church may be invited to preach, at the discretion of the local pastor and elders" . The Committee Report provides further information regarding the elements of the worship service in the ERQ. "Prayers in the worship services are led by the conductor of the service and by some people of the assembly. "(5.1.3.6, pg. 14) "On these occasions there might be alternation of appropriate songs and Bible readings, short meditations, banners, Bible stories for and by children etc." (5.1. 3. 6, pg. 15)

      8. The Lord's Table is deemed to be "rather open " in that some people who are not members also participate. The ERQ committee admitted "that there is a growing awareness that the councils needed to fence the table more closely. " The Committee recommends that within the framework of Ecclesiastical Fellowship the CanRCs could urge movement to a more closely fenced table.

      9. With regards to Public Profession of faith it is stated that "a thorough knowledge of the Reformed doctrine is not demanded." Confession of and binding to the Reformed doctrine are not required (5.1.3.5, pg. 14).

      10. There are no standardized liturgical forms (5.1.3.8, pg. 15). "This has as a result some lack of uniformity of practice." The Report states that "though the use of standard liturgical forms is relatively important, the lack of such forms should not be an insurmountable barrier to Ecclesiastical Fellowship."

      11. In view of the Committee's mandate "to further investigate whether it is possible to have the Canadian Reformed Churches and the Eglise Reformee du Quebec as part of the federation" the Committee considered two possibilities: a "French Classis" and "full integration". Neither of these models seemed to be workable. The Committee cannot recommend that church union or merger would be beneficial or advisable. Language is the great divider. The Committee states that "it is important for the CanRCs to understand that the ERQ now needs to maintain this independent 'Francophone' identity."

      12. The Committee recommends Synod accept the request of l'Eglise Reformee du Quebec, made to Synod '95, and reaffirmed at their Synod of Sept 12/13, 1997, to enter into Ecclesiastical Fellowship and to do so under their adopted Rules (1997)

      13. The Committee recommends to appoint a Committee for Contact with l'Eglise Reformee du Quebec with the following mandate:

          1. To respond if specific requests for assistance and advice are made in matters of confession, church polity and worship;

          2. To initiate and continue discussions with the ERQ CICR concerning the supervision of the Lord's table with a view to admitting only professing members of the church to the table; the need for professing members to express agreement with the confessional standards; the necessity and desirability of adopting liturgical forms;

          3. To respond, if possible and feasible, to specific requests made to attend Synods of the ERQ;

          4. To be ready to give assistance in developing mission possibilities in Quebec;

          5. To keep the churches informed about l'Eglise Reformee du Quebec so that we can respond in a positive manner to their financial and other needs as missionary churches;

          6. To serve Synod 2001 with a report to be sent to the churches at least six months prior to the beginning of Synod.

          7. Inform the Committee on Relations with Churches Abroad of the relationship with l'Eglise Reformee du Quebec.

   2. Through overtures and letters several concerns are raised and suggestions are given by the churches:

      1. The church at Watford suggests we are not ready to enter into Ecclesiastical Fellowship since the ERQ allows for women to serve as full-fledged deacons. They also have difficulties with the prominent role given to Synods in ordaining ministers and in matters of discipline.

      2. The church at Chatham is not in favour of entering into a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship until the ERQ adopts a stricter policy regarding the fencing of the Lord's Supper.

      3. The church at Yarrow urges Synod not to accept the request of the ERQ to enter Ecclesiastical Fellowship because of how they view the fencing of Lord's Supper, confessional membership, women deacons, Sabbath observance. The church at Yarrow is of the opinion that the last two matters should be added to the mandate of the Committee.

      4. The church at Willoughby Heights is not in agreement with the report of the Committee and questions why Ecclesiastical Fellowship should be established under the rules suggested by the ERQ.

      5. The church at London disagrees with the recommendations of the report. They question whether the matters under discussion are minor points that fall within the scope of Article 50 of the Church Order. The church at London is especially concerned about the confessions (Westminster), church polity, style of worship of the ERQ. They also raise concerns about the worship services and about the ERQ's position on deaconesses.

      6. The church at Attercliffe is of the opinion that the considerations and conclusions of the Committee Report "are seriously flawed and that at this time there is no ground to recognize the ERQ as a faithful and true church of the Lord Jesus Christ and enter into Ecclesiastical Fellowship." They disagree with the Committee's suggestion that federative unity is impractical and take exception to the reasoning of the Committee on this point. The church at Attercliffe also has difficulties with the Committee's reference to Synod 1965. "Having studied Article 141 of General Synod 1965 Council disagrees with the report. Synod 1965 did not judge that a church federation maintaining Presbyterian church government and subscribing to the Westminster Standards is a true church of the Lord. If that would be true than the implication is that the Canadian Reformed Churches have made such a judgement concerning all kinds of Presbyterian churches."

      7. The church at Lincoln overtures Synod not to accept the recommendation of the Committee but to amend the recommendation to read:

         1. Accept the request of L'Eglise Reformee du Quebec, made to Synod'95, and reaffirmed at their Synod of Sept. 12,13, 1997, to enter into Ecclesiastical Fellowship and to do so under their adopted rules (1997), subject to the mutual satisfactory conclusion of the discussions on the matters listed in point B 2, of the recommendations as a, b, and c.

         2. To list under B 2 in addition to a, b, and c:

            1. The necessity and desirability of conducting two (2) official worship services on each Lord's Day.

            2. the desirability of not ordaining women to the office of deacon.

         3. To delete point C from the recommendations.

      8. The church at Fergus is not in favour of entering into a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship at this time due to problems with confessional membership and the fencing of the Lord's Supper.

      9. The church at Burlington South expresses some reservations about the way the Lord's Day is observed in the ERQ and about entering into a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship on the basis of their terms.

      10. The church at Calgary is of the opinion that the same approach should be taken with the ERQ as with the OPC. This church wants more extensive discussions with the ERQ on the fencing of the Lord's Supper, confessional membership, deaconesses and on the fact that ministers from other denominations are allowed to preach in the ERQ.

      11. The church at Guelph questions the report on the matters of deaconesses, worship, fencing of the Lord's Supper, profession of faith, lack of standardized liturgical forms and why we would have to enter into a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship on the basis of their rules.

      12. The church at Houston is not in favour of entering a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship until the issues of fencing the Lord's Supper, confessional membership, the need for adopted liturgical forms and the matter of women deacons are resolved.

      13. The church at Grand Valley is of the opinion that the matters of the fencing of the Lord's Supper, Confessional Membership, and women deacons are obstacles for Ecclesiastical Fellowship.

      14. The church at Neerlandia raises concerns about one worship service per Lord's Day, admission to the Lord's Supper and about having women deacons.

      15. The church at Elora urges Synod not to follow the recommendations of the Report because of the issues of Sabbath Day observance, ordination of women deacons, fencing of the Lord's Supper, absence of adopted liturgical forms and order of worship, lack of clarity on their status with the PCA and the position of Synods within in the ERQ.

      16. The church at Orangeville expresses concern about the ordination of women deacons and the lack of standard liturgical forms.

      17. The church at Burlington East supports the recommendations of the Committee.

4. CONSIDERATIONS

   1. It is obvious that the ERQ is in the beginning stages of church development. On certain matters and issues they have not articulated a position (eg. liturgical forms, fencing of the Lord's Supper, order of worship). A relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship, therefore, is neither feasible nor advisable at this time.

   2. From the observations and concerns expressed by the churches it is evident that the following areas need further clarification and should remain topics of discussion:

      1. The nature and status of the deacons and deaconesses;

      2. The matter of liturgical forms, order of worship, supervision of the pulpit and Lord's Day observance;

      3. The fencing of the Lord's Table and possible different practices among the various congregations;

      4. The need for confessional binding for members and office bearers;

      5. The differences in the Rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship of the ERQ and the CanRCs;

      6. The question whether federative unity is possible or not.

5. RECOMMENDATIONS

   Synod decide:

   1. To note with gratitude the contact and developing relationship with the ERQ.

   2. To decline the invitation of the ERQ to enter into Ecclesiastical Fellowship at this time.

   3. To re-appoint the committee for contact with the ERQ with the following mandate:

      1. To clarify and discuss the points raised in Consideration B in view of the concerns raised by the churches;

      2. To keep the churches informed about the ERQ so that they may be able to respond to financial and other needs of the ERQ;

      3. To respond if specific requests for assistance and advice are made in matters of confession, church polity, and liturgy;

      4. To respond, if possible and feasible, to specific requests made to attend Synods of the ERQ;

      5. To serve Synod 2001 with a report to be sent to the churches at least six months prior to the beginning of Synod.

It is moved to delete from IV.B.6: "The question whether federative unity is possible or not."

DEFEATED

The committee proposal is voted on.

ADOPTED

Article 98

Relationship with the Free Reformed Churches

Committee III presents: II G.

1. MATERIAL

   1. Letter from Regional Synod West

2. OBSERVATIONS

   1. Regional Synod West of December 2, 1997 dealt with the overture of Classis Pacific of December 10, 11, 1996 concerning contact with the Free Reformed Churches of North America. Regional Synod gratefully took over the overture of Classis Pacific in toto.

   2. Classis Pacific made the following recommendations:

      1. Classis Pacific notes with joy and thanksgiving the confessional unity which the Canadian Reformed Church at Aldergrove and the Emmanuel Free Reformed Church at Abbotsford have observed in each other and which has led to a mutual recognition as true Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ.

      2. Classis Pacific urges the Regional Synod of the Canadian Reformed Churches in Western Canada to support this unity endeavour by overturing General Synod 1998, at Fergus Ontario, to establish a committee for contact with the Free Reformed Churches of North America with the intent of reaching full federative unity.

      3. Classis Pacific advises the Canadian Reformed Church at Aldergrove to refrain from implementing its relationship with the Emmanuel Free Reformed Church at Abbotsford pending the decision of General Synod 1998.

      4. Classis Pacific encourages the Church at Aldergrove to keep alive this matter of promoting unity locally and federatively.

3. CONSIDERATIONS

   1. The church at Aldergrove has taken the proper ecclesiastical way by channeling their requests via the minor assemblies and by providing these assemblies with sufficient information.

   2. In the light of the developments between the Emmanuel Free Reformed church at Abbotsford and the Canadian Reformed Church at Aldergrove, the cause of unity would require that discussions between churches in these federations also take place on a federative level.

   3. "Fellowship with other churches should be initiated only after a thorough and serious investigation is made and it is clear that these churches not only accept the Reformed confessions and regulations of Reformed church government but also abide by them" (Synod Edmonton 1965, Acts, Art. 141 II). From the enclosed material it appears that the Free Reformed Churches of North America hold that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired and infallible Word of God, have as their doctrinal standards the Three Forms of Unity, and base their church government on the same church polity as the Canadian Reformed Churches.

4. RECOMMENDATION

   1. To note with gratitude the contact between the Canadian Reformed Church at Aldergrove and the Emmanuel Free Reformed Church at Abbotsford.

   2. To add the following to the mandate of the Deputies for the Promotion of Ecclesiastical Unity:

      1. To take up contact with the External Relations Committee of the Free Reformed Churches of North America.

      2. To initiate fraternal dialogue with the Free Reformed Churches in North America with a view towards establishing federative unity.

ADOPTED

Article 99

Adjournment

Rev. W. den Hollander requests that Psalm 122: 1, 3 be sung and leads in prayer. Synod is adjourned.