Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1961 - Rparchives.org

82 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE
election. Discussion pointed out that the proposed revision of
Chapter 30 of the TESTIMONY might clarify this point, but that,
even if adopted for overture, the revision could not be made in
time to apply to this particular situation.
The third problem concerned the advisibility of continuing
the Committee. Discussion brought out the way in which the
purpose of the Committee has been gradually shifting. When first
set up in 1937, the Committee's objective was to develop support
for constitutional recognition of Jesus Christ by action of the
courts. This procedure was thought of by some members of Synod
as complementing the movement to gain support from the President
and from Congress for the same end. Legal counsel at that time
advised the use of an Explanatory Declaration with the oath to the
Constitution by many people for a variety of purposes. The hope
was that eventually the courts would have to decide whether or
not our government recognizes its responsibility to the authority
and law of Jesus Christ. It was felt that, if the courts said,
"Yes, our government is under Christ," it would be easier to
get approval for acknowledgment of this fact in the Constitution.
If the courts said, "No, our government is not under Christ," the
Christians throughout America would be thoroughly aroused to
remedy the situation.
The Explanatory Declaration, however, has actually been
used primarily to gain for Covenanters desired positions demanding
an oath of allegiance to the Constitution. Whenever its use
has been questioned or denied, the issue has been the citizen's
right of prior allegiance to Jesus Christ, rather than the nation's
right to ignore Christ's claim to recognition. Whenever called
upon, the Oath Committee has always assisted in gaining acceptance
of the Explanatory Declaration, always by insisting upon
the individual's right to make it.
Two conclusions developed from discussion of the continuation
of the Committee's activities:
1. That it its original purpose only is envisioned the Committee
should be discontinued.
2. That if its traditional and present emphasis upon implementing
the testimony of our members through use of the Explanatory
Declaration is acceptable to Synod, the Committee has,
and will continue to have, a very important function.
The Committee is deeply concerned that its activity implement
and clarify the testimony of the Church, and will earnestly
seek to understand, and to operate within, the decisions of this
Synod.
We recommend:
1. That pastors and lay leaders, with the assistance of this
Committee, equip themselves with copies of whatever Explanatory