Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1993

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 153We would further request that, since this has been such a divisive issuefor so long in the Church, and if the Synod sends a change down inoverture, sessions set aside the day for voting on the overture as a day forprayer and fasting, that God's Spirit might be pleased to visit us and thatthe unity of the Church might be preserved.Recommendations1. That Synod allow a maximum of two hours to respond to the content anddirection of our report with a maximum of 10 minutes per speaker.2. That Synod determine not to exercise judicial discipline due to pastactions resulting in the impasse over Query # 8.However, in order to promote the peace, unity, and order of the church,and in an effort to respect and encourage all parties involved in thisimpasse, and concerned "to lay upon you (the church) no greaterburden than these essentials" (following the model of the JemsalemCouncU in Acts 15:19-31;and 16:4,5), Synod prayerfully declares thefollowing:a. That the promise of total abstinence involved in present Query # 8 isofficially interpreted by the Synod as cunently directing allordinands' behavior, but does not bind the conscience.b. That until a change in the total abstinence requirement of Query # 8is approved by overture, all ordinands, including those who werepermitted in their ordinations to alter, explain, or not take the Query,are required to abstain totally from alcoholic beverages and habitformingnarcotics.c. Until a Query change is approved by overture, all future ordinationsmust require the taking of Query # 8, in light of the precedinginterpretation.d. That all presbyteries must enforce this requirement upon all ordinandsupon pain of judicial discipline.e. No further appeals which delay the implementation of Synod'sdirectives will be received.3. That Synod commend the Smiths Falls session through the St. LawrencePresbytery for its submission to the highest court of the Church,respond to its request by publicly granting our forgiveness, and be ledin a prayer of rejoicing in God for His solution.4. That the following proposed changes in ordination queries be adoptedby this Synod and sent down in overture:a) Query #8 to read "As an expression of your commitment to live aholy and exemplary life, do you promise 'not to be addicted towine.' and to show yourself a model of sobriety, restraint, andsound judgment in all areas of Ufe?"