Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA 199
that all of the RPCNA chaplains have been faithful In this obligation, al
some from other denominations have not. The very modest annual fee paid by the
member denominations has not been increased for many years.
2. The Commission has established a "Chaplain Guardian Corps" to encourage
interested Christians to pray for the ministry of PRJC Chaplains and to contribute
financially. The suggested annual membership giftis $100, but gifts of any size are
welcomed.
3. The combination of downsizing the Aaive Duty forces and the activation of
Reserve units for Bosnia, Haiti, and similar missions has made the job of Reserve
and National Guard chaplains extremely challenging.
4. The Commission continues to be concerned with the policy of some
commanders during Operation Desert Shield/Storm which required chaplains to
remove their branch insignia from their uniforms. We are seeking ways to ensure
that this kind of symbolic compromise not be repeated.
5. The Commission has adopted a policy for making urgent decisions between
the annual meetings in Atlanta.
6. Rev. John MacGregor retired as Chairman of the PRJC after 18 years of
service in that capacity. He was eleaed Chairman at the organizing meeting of the
Commission in 1978 and served continuously until 1996. The new Chairman is
Rev. James Pakala of Covenant Seminary. William Warren (OPC) continues as
Vice-Chairman, and Robert Copeland (RPCNA) as Secretary.
7. The Commission approved the application of the Korean Presbyterian Church
in America to be endorsed by the PRJC. This is the American daughterdenomination
of the Kosin Presbyterian Church in Korea. The latter has fraternal
relations with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The KPCA adheres to the
Westminster Standards. The Commission's action means that chaplains from the
KPCA, like those of the Korean American Presbyterian Church, will be endorsed
through the Commission, but the denomination will have no members on the
Commission.
Respeafully submitted,
Robert Copeland
Jonathan Leach
Dennis Prutow
GRADUATE STUDY COMMITTEE
(An Un-Report to the Non-Synod of I996J
The primary investment of time since the 1995 meeting of the Synod has
involved communication with the Clerk of Synod and the Chairman of the Finance
Committee in an attempt to clarify and accurately interpret Synod's aaions
regarding the availability of funds for graduate study in 1995-96, and 1996-97;
revision of funding guidelines and policy based upon the 1995 Graduate Study