Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1993

66 1993 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEproblems of application. We, therefore, indicate that the cGod's "natural order" does indeed involve responsibiUty: for the man as"head," and for the woman as "helper." The standards of the church areclear, and Synod has reaffirmed them in approving the Report.THE MATTER OF HEADSHIP IS CLEARIn making the above clarifications, we take note that comments weremade suggesting that these things are not clear either in the Report ofSynod's Committee in 1990 and/or in the church's standards. We believeit to be "sowing discord among brethren" to declare something to beambiguous which is clear in plain language. We simply state that thejudgment of the church in the Report and the church's standards are clearon the matter of "headship." Let that be clear.PROPER PROCEDURE IS TO BE FOLLOWEDThis committee would like to reiterate a point made by the Committeeon the Role and Service of Women concerning the proper procedure foraddressing matters of doctrine and practice. Questions and/or changesconcerning the doctrine and practices of the church should be presented"as a proposal and/or study paper which is transmitted through the courtsof the church."D. COMMITTEE CONCLUSIONSPRACTICES IN OUR CHURCHESThis Committee reminds sessions of Synod's decision followingapproval of the Report of the Committee on the Role and Service ofWomen in 1990. It is as follows:"The Synod of 1990, in exercise of its teaching authority and of itspastoral concern for the Church, hereby affirms that the present standardsof the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America as they bear uponquestions of the role and distinctions in the service of men and women, areadequate for the guidance of the membership, congregations and courts ofthe Church to carry on the work of defending the truths of Scripture andrefuting enors" (7990 Minutes of Synod, p. 134).This is a clear reaffirmation of the church's position on this matter.Synod also approved the following statement in the Committee's Report:"All through Christian history as well as through the history of thedenomination, women have rendered a variety of services to Christ and hispeople. Women must never be regarded as second-class citizens inheaven's commonwealth, no matter what distinctions of role or responsibilitymay be discerned. Men and women are equal in rank and heirs