Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1961 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 137
Syrian Church. The report is as foUows:
REPORT OF THE COMMISSION TO CONSIDER AUTONOMY
FOR THE SYRIAN MISSION
The Commission has held five meetings since the I960
meeting of Synod. Last autumn the deputation team of the Foreign
Mission Board visited Syria to look over the work. They have
reported their findings and recommendations to the Commission.
On January 13, 1961, the Commission took action authotizing our
agent, Chester T. Hutcheson, who holds the power of attorney, to
tiansfer the property pertaining to the Latakia Congregation into
the hands of the Congregation as represented by their Board of
Deacons. Action relative to the remainder of the property is
being deferred until a later date.
The Commission has received word that strife and a party
spirit has developed in the Latakia Congregation. It is understandable
that from this distance we are unable to determine the
exact causes of this disharmony. The Synod should unite in
prayer to the end that the power of Satan shall be bound in all
parties and that righteousness may bring forth peace among
brethren. In spite of this disharmony, it is the judgment of your
Commission that autonomy should be granted to the Syria Presbytery
at this meeting of Synod.
The minutes of our commission are submitted herewith.
Recommendations:
1. That H. A. Hays lead the Synod in a prayer for the peace
and harmony of the Church in Syria, and in the granting of autonomy
to the Syria Presbytery as of July 1, 1961.
2. That the expense incurred by C. T. Hutcheson, together
with the expense of the Commission be paid up to $200 from the
Miscellaneous Fund of Synod.
3. That the Commission be continued. That the resignations
of R. A. Henning and J. P. Wilson be accepted and that J. M.
McMillan be named the Moderator and that R. B. McCracken be
added.
Respectfully submitted,
The Commission
Item 6 of Unfinished Business, the report of the delegate to
the Christian Reformed Synod could not be made because the
Synod had not yet convened.
Item 10 of Unfinished Business, the report of the Committee
on Revision of Chapter VDI of the Testimony was presented,
adopted and is as foUows: