Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9±In recent years Canada has allowed abortion and, more recently, has alsoallowed euthanasia. In the highly-publicized assisted suicide of Sue Rodriguez,the friend who was with her at the time of her death was a well-knownMember of Parliament and self-proclaimed homosexual.In the last federal election, although the Liberals won, the politicallandscape was drastically altered. Older established parties such as theProgressive Conservatives and New Democratic Party were almost wiped out,and were replaced by two new parties. One of these, the Bloc Quebecois, iscommitted to taking Quebec out of the confederation, while the other, theReform Party, is more conservative than the Progressive Conservatives. Insome ways the Reform Party seems to be in favour of fiscal responsibility andmorality (the leader claims to be a Christian). However, he has said thatalthough he is against abortion,if the majority of his constituents favour it, hewill vote for it.Of concern to Christians in the spring of 1995 is Bill C-41, which,among other things, would include the term "sexual orientation" for the firsttime ever in a federal statute. Christians are concerned that this inclusionwould pave the way for a fundamental change to the Canadian Human RightsAct resulting in the granting of far-reaching rights and privileges to gays,lesbians and bisexuals.As dangerous and threatening to Christians as Bill C-41 is, it is not theone which is causing concern in most Canadians. A far greater number areconcerned about having legislation passed which would require registration offirearms. As unchristian, if not antiChristian, as our government is, eventhose who profess to be Christians seem much more ready to criticize theirleaders than to pray for them. Canadians as well as Americans seem to forgetthat "the powers that be are ordained of God," even when we may notapprove of them.Aubrey AyerAndrew ShepDavid CarsonThe report of the Committee on Finance was taken up. Items 1and 2 were referred to the Nominating Committee. Item 3 wasadopted and the Independent Auditor's Report is printed followingthe report of the Committee on Finance. Items 4 and 5 wereadopted.The Nominating Committee reported the results of the electionsheld earlier in the afternoon session.David Long led Synod in prayer for the matters addressed in thissession of Synod's business.John Morrow, fraternal delegate from the American PresbyterianChurch was introduced to the court.Following the announcements, Synod sang Psalm 69E was led inprayer by Dennis Olson and took recess at 4:05 p.m.