While it was a foregone conclusion that the Conscience Clauses (which permitted complementarians to serve in the RCA without fear of persecution of any kind) would be removed from the BCO it still merits a mention. We now enter a time when complementarians are fully dependent upon the grace of the seminaries and the MFCA for ordination. In an environment that many complementarians already found to be rather hostile the one constitutional protection that was enjoyed has now been removed.
General Synod Overview: 2013
In the days immediately following the 2013 General Synod of the Reformed Church in America I was asked by a number of friends and colleagues if I would write a recap of what happened at General Synod. I have agreed to do so and would put before you the following observations before I begin.
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This is not a comprehensive assessment. If you want a more comprehensive assessment you can order the DVDs from synod and watch all the proceedings. You are also free to browse rca.org for more information on what happened. I am not intending to give an account of all the proceedings.
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This is written from my perspective and will include my commentary. I wrote the commentary largely for the elders of my own congregation, but I also kept in mind that this may well be read by others. Personally I felt that this synod did not go well at all, I am sure that my ensuing comments reflect that perspective. If you’d like another perspective you are free to seek one out.
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I have done my best to confirm my facts with those who were present at the Synod (I watched online through the Livestream) and through the rca.org’s coverage and commentary on Synod 2013. If you notice factual errors please inform me immediately and accept my sincerest apologies. It is my intent to give a fair account of what transpired and to add personal commentary when I feel compelled to do so. My commentary is in the regular print, copied materials are in italics.
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You will notice that frequently I have cited the adopted recommendations in the form of “R-1 (Adopted)”. You can see all recommendations that were either approved or rejected here.
Read more at http://theaquilareport.com/report-of-the-reformed-church-in-america-synod-meeting/
1 Comment. Leave new
The elimination of the conscience clause also leaves pastors at the mercy of the classis: ordinations are classis meetings that a member must ask to be excused from. I have been an RCA pastor since 1987, but now see that my denomination has said there is no place for me. It seems we have respect for diversity, and graceful conversations, only over some issues.