Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

90 MINUTES OF THE 1997 SYNOD OF THE
among the subordinate standards in the History of the Standards. (1-1
introduction to the Directory for Church Government names only The Confession
of Faith and The R.P. Testimonyas the doctrinal statements of the church.
It will not be sufficient for the Synod of 1997 to declare judicially by majority
vote that the Queries are part of the Constitution of the RPCNA. Such a
declaration could be easily reversed by a later Synod. Instead, the Queries
adopted by simple majority in 1939 should now be individually sent down in
proper overture. In evaluating our present Queries, the committee commends the
report on vows adopted by the 1981 Synod. Recommendations:
I.) That the Clerk of Synod send down in overture each of our current Queries
individually, except for Queryit's that was approved by overture in 1979.
2.) That church courts continue to use the Queries as they now stand until the
overture has been completed.
3.) That whatever Queries are approved in overture will then become a part of
the Constitution of the RPCNA, to be changed only by the procedures outlined In
The Book of Discipline, chapter 8 "Petitions, Memorials, and Overtures." (E-14)
Respectfully Submitted,
Godfrey Franklin
George Hueber
Philip Pockras
Ed Schisler
William J. Edgar, Chairman
Appendix. 1981 Minutes of Synod page 128.
That Synod stateits approval of the principles stated in Part I of this report,
governing the content and form ofits ordination vows.
1.) There is warrant for ordination vows which promise faithfulness in the
performance of the duties and responsibilities of the office.
2.) Ordination vows should include statements of adherence to the confessional
and constitutional documents in which are expressed the church's understanding of
God's truth and will.
3.) Ordination vows should include the promise to respect the structure of
authority which Christ has established in the church.
4.) In general, ordination vows should not focus upon particular doctrines or
practices, but should indicate a hearty acceptance of the church's confession and
testimony as a whole.
5.) Ordination vows should contain only those things which the church has
officially declared in her Confession and Testimony to be clearly taught in the
Word of God.
6.) While guarding against defection, ordination vows should allow for an
orderly way of dealing with any future change of conviction by the ordained or the
church.
7.) The wording of the ordination queries should include an appeal to God.