On Monday, June 12, delegates voted to urge RCA assemblies, other bodies, and members to maintain covenant bonds (R 17-60). They also urged classes to refrain from approving the requests of churches to transfer to another denomination prior to the conclusion of General Synod 2018, instead focusing on the RCA’s God-given mission.
The recommendation arose in response to concerns expressed in the president’s report, in the general secretary’s report, in several overtures, and by delegates on the floor. They appealed for trust, conversation, unity, building relationships, and a common understanding and interpretation of Scripture. Several overtures also addressed the uses and limits of RCA polity.
“A church divided is not God’s intention for his people and is not a redemptive witness to our world,” Tom De Vries said in his report to the synod on Friday, June 9. The Commission on Overtures and New Business, which prepared the recommendation, echoed De Vries in its reasons.
For full synod coverage, visit www.rca.org/synod.
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