Verslag - NG Kerk in Oos-Kaapland

3.2.6 The General Synod decides not to proceed with the establishment of unity structures that compromise
the Confession of Belhar. Synod therefore affirms Point 5 of the GSC 2004 decision (Late Report of the
Executive Committee p4) in its rejection of the DRC's decision for a speedy unity on the basis of the "ruim
huis" process/model.
Adopted
Motion
The General Synod initiates discussions with the DRC(bilaterally) and the DRCA (bilaterally) to consider the
possibility of a "Truth and Reconciliation" type of process, chaired by a "neutral" chairperson of committee,
to attempt to achieve reconciliation and out of court settements in all the areas where tension has
developed between the DRCA, DRC and URCSA.
Adopted
Motion
The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the basic tenets of our Reformed faith, the foundational truths of the
Confession of Belhar, and especially our obedience to our Lord compel us to pursue genuine unity with the
DRC family of churches and the churches within the Reformed tradition in all Southern Africa. On this point
Synod believes that our own integrity and faithfulness are at stake.
In order to fulfil this calling and in response to this gift General Synod acknowledges that our method of
pursuing unity through talks at leadership level only has not produced the desired results. We further
believe that the emphasis in our search for unity should be shifted to the levels where it really matters and
where unity can most visibly and most authentically be experienced and realised: that of regional synod,
presbytery, and local congregation.
Therefore General Synod decides to forthwith approve the necessary Church Orderly Regulations (cf.
Reglement: Kombinasie van werksaamhede van gemeentes, ringe en sinodes uit verskillende
kerkverbande, Agenda, p.531-533) to enable Regional Synods, Presbyteries and local congregations who
desire to do so on the basis of the acceptance of the Confession of Belhar, to unite to the fullest extent
possible in ministry, even if structural unity, because of church orderly impediments, is not yet possible.
This General Synod instructs the Permanent Judicial Commission to urgently give attention to the enabling
legislation to make structural union possible.
In doing so, the URCSA will enable authentic unity which will give expression to our own commitment and
obedience to the prayer of Jesus, and in so doing inspire our churches as a whole in our efforts towards the
realisation of full, organic church unity in Southern Africa.
General Synod not only condones such unions, it encourages and supports them wholeheartedly.
Mindful of the charge laid upon us by the Gospel, the Confession of Belhar itself and the Accompanying
Letter to the DRC, General Synod regards these actions as an integral part of the URCSA's pastoral
responsibility on the journey to full, organic church union and instructs its Executive Committee to conduct
all its discussions with the DRC, the DRCA and the RCA within this context.
Adopted
Recommendation
The General Synod decides not to take up the offer of the RCA to mediate since they are part of the
process.
Adopted
Recommendation
The General Synod resolves to propose that the Laudium Declaration becomes part of the historical
documents of the new church. The General Synod furthermore affirms that the model of the new church be
based on organic unity and not on specific ministerial needs.
Adopted
Recommendation:
The General Synod instructs the Executive Committee to seek closer co-operation with other reformed
churches in Southern Africa with the view of unification.
Adopted
2.2.5 n Positiewe gesamentlike aksie wat gespruit het uit die gesprek tussen die NG Kerk en die VGKSA
was n gesamentlike brief van die twee kerke aan hulle sinodes en gemeentes tov kerkherenigingsprosesse
op grondvlak. Dit was moontlik omdat beide kerke reeds duidelike besluite daaroor geneem het. Die inhoud
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