Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA 59
Candidates, and thirty-seven Retired, for a total of 222. By denomina
includes 194 PCA, twenty OPC, four RPC and four KAPC.
ISSUES
The question of military chaplains praying in Jesus' name at certain functions has
become controversial in recent months. One of the issues is whether troops are
present voluntarily or not. The NAE Commission on Chaplains, with which the
PRJC is affiliated, is pursuing this question to ensure that commanders and
government policy do not interfere with the work of the Chaplains. The PRJC is
sending a letter to each of the Chiefs of Chaplains explaining our Reformed creedal
position, which defines prayer as that which is offered specifically in Jesus's name.
A question which is arising from within the PCA is the appropriateness of
women serving in combat, and the related issue whether this is an appropriate
subjea for official comment by the denominations. The report of a committee on
this issue will be presented to the PCA General Assembly as an Overture from the
Presbytery of Philadelphia, but at this writing there is no indication what the
Assembly will do with it. If it should be adopted, the report will probably come to
the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of 1998 for concurrence. Copies of the PCA
Overture will be available at the Synod of 1997 for information.
Funding for the PRJC is becoming a problem for the first time, with Chaplain
David Peterson now full-time Executive Direaor. While the monthly assessment
paid by the Chaplains has increased, the amount that denominations are assessed
has not been increased, which means that voluntary contributions are urgently
needed. One means of supporting our chaplains is through membership in the
Chaplain Guardian Corps. Any member of the Commission can supply
information about this program.
OPPORTUNITIES
All three branches of the service as well as the Reserves are in need of incoming
chaplains, and the Army is particularly in need. In the providence of God, now is
an opportunity to expand our ministry to the military, as our category of
denomination is actively sought by the services. In addition, opportunities for
nonmilitary chaplains are expanding; it is estimated that three-quarters of all
chaplains in the United States are nonmilitary (hospitals, prisons, industry, colleges,
police and fire departments, retirement homes, etc.).
COMMISSION
The annual meeting of the Commission was held in Atlanta, March 3-4, 1997,
followed by telephone conference calls on March 12 and April 3. The Chairman
of the Commission is Rev. James Pakala (PCA), the Vice-Chair is Rev. William
Warren (OPC), and the Secretary is Robert Copeland (RPCNA). The term of
Robert Copeland expires at this meeting of Synod, and his successor should be
chosen.
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