|
Semper Reformanda |
 |
Proceedings of the general council |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
| Africa | 11 |
| Latin America | 4 |
| Asia | 11 |
| Australasia | 2 |
| Europe | 3 |
| Total | 31 |
In addition to the above, a number of names had been submitted by member churches which have already appointed their full quotas. They were:
Africa
Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ghana: Rev LK Buama (youth)
Presbytery of Liberia in West Africa: Mr Eugene Olu Eastman (youth)
Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Republic of South Africa: Mrs Rose Mageza
Latin America
Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba: Sra. Norka Iglesias; Sr. Carlos Emilio Ham (youth)
Asia
National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Syria and Lebanon: Mrs Clemence Sayegh
Church of Christ in Thailand: Mrs Prakai Nontawasee
Australasia
Uniting Church in Australia: Mrs Bethel Pearse
Presbyterian Church of New Zealand: Mrs Marget Brown
Europe
Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches: Mrs Leni Altwegg; Mrs Ines Buhofer
North America
Presbyterian Church in the US: Mrs Peggy Keefee; Mrs Emma Bourne
Upon motion of the executive committee duly seconded, it was agreed that these additional women and youth be seated as delegates.
The general council was recessed at 6 pm by the president.
Evening session
At 8.30 pm the president called the general council to order. Dr Edmond Perret, general secretary, presented a list of seven churches from which requests for membership in the World Alliance of Reformed Churches had been received.
Africa
- Dutch Reformed Church in Botswana
- Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa (Communaute presbytérienne de Kinshasa, Eglise du Christ au Zaïre), Zaire.
Indonesia
- Gereja Protestan di Sulawesi Tenggara (Gepsultra), Protestant Church in Southeast Sulawesi.
- Gereja Protestan Indonesia Donggala (GPID), Protestant Church in Indonesia in Donggala.
- Gereja Protestan Indonesia di Buol Toli-Toli (GPIBT), Protestant Church in Indonesia in Buol Toll-Toll.
- Gereja Protestan Indonesia di Gorontalo (GPIG), Protestant Church in Indonesia in Gorontalo.
- Gereja Kristen Luwuk Banggai (GKLB), Christian Church in Luwuk Banggai.
It was moved and seconded by the executive committee that these seven churches be received into the membership of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. The motion was carried. Representatives of these churches were asked to stand and they were warmly welcomed with applause by the general council.
The president, Dr James I McCord, introduced Mrs Ruth Kao of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, the wife of Rev Dr Chung-Ming Kao, the general secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan, presently serving the third year of a seven-year prison sentence for what was deemed to be unlawful political activity. Dr McCord asked the members of the general council to stand, after which he led the council in prayer for Dr Kao, his wife and family and for the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan.
A short report on the John Knox International Reformed Centre was given by Mr Jean-Jacques Bauswein, its director. The centre, which is located in Geneva, Switzerland, has as its basic purpose the offering of facilities and services to enable groups and individuals to have a richer educational and spiritual experience in Geneva, to understand better the dynamic Reformed tradition and to increase their ecumenical awareness and international understanding. He called upon the member churches of the Alliance to make use of the centre. Colour slides of the John Knox Centre facilities were shown.
The president then introduced Rev Professor Jan Lochman, professor of theology and rector of Basel University, who delivered an address on the general council theme, "For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory". The president then thanked Professor Lochman for a stimulating, penetrating and uplifting address.
On the occasion of their celebration of the day of independence of Indonesia (August 17 1982), the Indonesian member churches presented several gifts to the president and the general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. Dr McCord thanked the Indonesian Reformed churches for their gifts and stated that they would be placed on permanent exhibition at the John Knox International Reformed Centre in Geneva.
Evening prayer was led by Rev Manuel Gajardo Gomez of the Iglesia Evangelica Presbiteriana, Chile. The evening session was adjourned at 10.30 pm with the benediction.
Wednesday, August 18 1982
At 9.10 am the general council opened with morning prayer led by Mr Shun Govender of the Presbyterian Church of South Africa. The Bible study on Ex 20.18-21 was led by Rev Allan Boesak of the Dutch Reformed Mission Church, South Africa.
The agenda and the rules of procedure for the conduct of business were presented to the general council by the general secretary. On motion, duly seconded, these were adopted.
After a short recess for coffee at 10.30-11;00 am, the general council divided into three study sections as follows:
Section I: The people of the covenant and the mission of the kingdom
Moderator: Most Rev Dr RS Bhandare, North India
Vice-moderator: Professor Jong Sung Rhee, Korea
Secretary; Rev Joan Barr, Ireland
Discussion-starter: Dr Lars Lindberg, Sweden
Section II: The power of grace and the graceless powers
Moderator: Professor Dr Hans Helmut Esser, FRO
Vice-moderator: Rev Sam Buti, RSA
Secretary: Dr Hugh Koops, USA
Discussion-starter: Rev Sergio Arce Martinez, Cuba
Section III: The theatre of glory and a threatened creation's hope
Moderator: Dr Avery D Post, USA
Vice-moderator: Dr Willy A Roeroe, Indonesia
Secretary: Professor DWD Shaw, Scotland
Discussion-starter: Principal Pierre Goldberger, Canada.
Afternoon session
The vice-chairman, Dr Chung-Hyun Ro, reconvened the general council at 2.30 pm for an open hearing on the study document on Reformed witness today. Professor Lukas Vischer of Switzerland introduced the study document. He stated that the paper was drafted in response to a request from the Federation of Protestant Churches in Switzerland that the Alliance engage in a study of "certain theological issues which challenge the life and witness of the Reformed churches...". The revised document would be submitted to the member churches for their response. Dr Vischer invited the delegates to raise questions and to make comments. Discussion of the study document continued until 3.20 pm at which time the council recessed for tea.
General council committees (theology, cooperation and witness, Reformed witness today, nominations, policy reference and finance) met from 4.00-6.00 pm.
Evening session
The general council was called to order at 8.30 pm by Bishop Karoly Toth of the Reformed Church in Hungary. He introduced and then called upon the Most Rev Edward W Scott, Anglican primate of all Canada to address the delegates on the subject "Christian life and hope in an apocalyptic period". Bishop Toth expressed the appreciation of the general council to Archbishop Scott for his fine address.
Rev Paul Dilys of the Lithuanian Reformed Church and his daughter Mrs Brooks presented a woodcarving of Christ the teacher to president James I McCord. Dr McCord graciously accepted the gift of the Lithuanian church and stated that the wood-carving would be placed in the Alliance office in Geneva.
Evening prayer was led by Mr Witold Bender of the Reformed Evangelical Church in Poland. The evening session was adjourned at 10 pm with the benediction.
Thursday, August 19 1982
Morning session
The general council was opened with morning prayer led by Mrs Margy Roland, of the Waldensian Evangelical Church, Uruguay. Rev Dr James A Wharton, of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA, presented a Bible study on prophetic vision, from Ezek 47.1-12. A short question period followed the study.
Dr McCord invited Dr Pierre Rossouw of the Dutch Reformed Church, South Africa, to come forward. He presented the general secretary and the president with copies of two new books, The Dutch Reformed Church in Southern Africa and Born to Witness by Dr JM Cronje, for the library of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. These were received gratefully.
The general secretary reported that the executive committee was prepared to propose that the National Federation of Presbyterian Churches in Brazil, a church of approximately 80,000 members, be received as the 157th member church of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. Upon motion of the executive committee, duly seconded, this was carried. A representative of the church, Rev Jonathas do Valle Moreira, came to the platform and was greeted warmly by the president and the general secretary.
Rev Dr Kenneth A McMillan, general secretary of the Canadian Bible Society, brought greetings on behalf of the United Bible Societies of the world. He spoke of an increase in the distribution of the Bible and called upon the delegates to give priority to putting the scriptures into the hands of people in their own language.
The following telegram from Patriarch Pimen of Moscow and all Russia was read by the president:
"Moscow, USSR, August 16 1982 Rev Dr Edmond Perret, general secretary, World Alliance Reformed Churches WARC general council University of Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Cordially greeting you beloved in Christ brothers and sisters, participants of general assembly of World Alliance Reformed Churches Stop.
Extending to you gathered in name of Christ prayerful wishes of God's help in labours of assembly on thine is kingdom, power and glory, and successful solution of all discussed problems Stop.
Great pleasure for us greet you in days of work of your forum particularly because representatives of Russian Orthodox Church and Reformed churches fruitfully cooperate in World Council of Churches, in Christian Peace Conference and in Conference of European Churches Stop.
We appreciate contribution of Reformed theologians in ecumenical activities and particularly note with big satisfaction meetings of our church theologians which became traditional and which are always held in genuine Christian atmosphere of brotherhood and mutual understanding Stop.
Attendance in your assembly of Moscow Patriarchate representative I trust will be new milestone in history of our brotherly contacts and will serve for deeper understanding between Russian Orthodox Church and Reformed churches Stop.
With best wishes and brotherly love in Christ, Patriarch Pimen of Moscow and all Russia."
Dr McCord called upon Archpriest Peter Vlodek of the Russian Orthodox Church who brought greetings and spoke briefly about his church.
It was moved and seconded by the executive committee and agreed by the general council that the following telegram be sent to the Presbyterian Church of East Africa: "The general council of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches meeting in Ottawa remembers with joy and gratitude the fellowship and hospitality of the Presbyterian Church in East Africa in the uniting general council enjoyed in Nairobi in 1970: We pray for the blessing of our Lord on the people of God in the Presbyterian Church of East Africa and on the land of Kenya." The president recessed the general council at 10.45 am. Sections I, II, and III met from 11.15 am-12.45 pm.
Afternoon session
A press conference was held at 2.15 pm.
A meeting was called for women participating in the general council, from 2.00 to 3.30 pm. A statement was produced on Women's Issues and forwarded to the committee on cooperation and witness (Document C.2 of Appendix 20 this will need a name in the URL).
The standing committees met again from 4.00 to 6.00 pm.
Evening session
A Canadian evening was held.
Friday, August 20 1982
Morning session
The general council met in plenary session at 9.00 am and was led in worship by Mr Abival Pires da Silveira of the Independent Church of Brazil. Rev Dr Phyllis Smyth of the United Church of Canada led the Bible study on Mt 17.1-13.
Dr James I McCord called upon Rev Brian Prideaux of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Anglican Church of Canada, who brought greetings to the council from the Anglican communion. The president thanked Mr Prideaux for his words of greeting. Dr CS Song brought greetings from the World Council of Churches and its secretary, Dr Phillip Potter. He reminded the delegates that the sixth assembly of the World Council of Churches on the theme "Jesus Christ, the life of the world", would be held in Vancouver, Canada, in 1983 and he expressed the hope that this theme, along with the theme of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, "Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory", would serve as signposts for God's saving witness in a world threatened with destruction.
The president reported that a telegram conveying greetings and best wishes had been received from the Congregational Union of Argentina. Dr McCord announced that an informational hearing on apartheid would be held in the afternoon in the Monpetit Hall. Additional announcements were made by Rev Lewis H Lancaster of the Presbyterian Church in the US and by Professor Dennis L Tarr. The general council recessed from 10.30 to 11:00 am and then met in sections from 11.00 am to 12.30 pm.
Afternoon session
Dr Chung-Hyun Ro, vice-president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, convened an open hearing on apartheid in the South African churches from 2.40 pm to 4.00 pm. Standing committees of the general council met again from 4.15-6.00 pm.
Evening session
The president called the general council to order at 8.30 pm. Dr McCord expressed thanks to two distinguished participants who were leaving the council on Saturday, Dr Ralph Waldo Lloyd and Professor Jürgen Moltmann, for their excellent work on behalf of the Alliance.
Dr McCord presented Bishop Dr Karoly Toth, a vice-president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, president of the Christian Peace Conference and bishop of the Reformed Church in Hungary. Dr Toth addressed the delegates on the theme of world peace.
The president introduced and called upon Mrs Prakai Nontawasee, Thailand, to address the council on the subject "A cry from Asia (as seen from the perspective of a woman)". Evening prayer was led by Rev Gordon Grant of the Church of Scotland. The general council was recessed with the benediction at 10.00 pm.
Saturday, August 21 1982
Morning session
At 9.00 am the council was led in worship by Rev Barkev and Mrs Hosanna Apartian of the Armenian Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, assisted by Mr Abdul Noor of the Synod of the Nile of the Evangelical Church, Egypt.
The president presented Professor George Caird of Oxford University, the Bible study leader for the day. Dr Caird led a Bible study on Rev 7.9-17: "Vision of God's presence".
Dr Allen O Miller, professor of theology at Eden Theological Seminary, St Louis, Missouri, and chair of the Caribbean and North American area council theological committee, announced the publication of a new book, A Covenant Challenge to A Broken World, a collection of thirty-five essays written by Reformed theologians and others on the theme of the covenant. Dr Miller expressed the hope that the book would prove to be a helpful resource to the delegates and the member churches on the theme of the covenant.
Dr Carl Henning Mau, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, brought warm greetings from the federation's executive committee which had met earlier in August. He assured the general council of the sincere prayers and love of the Lutheran World Federation for the churches of the World Alliance. Dr Mau spoke appreciatively of the pulpit and altar fellowship agreement which has been reached by many Lutheran and Reformed churches. He concluded his remarks by wishing God's richest blessing on the general council.
Rev Ildophons Muzigamfizi of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda presented an anniversary volume on the occasion of the seventy-fifth anniversary of his church. Dr Edmond Perret, general secretary, received the gift with appreciation and asked Mr Muzigamfizi to convey to the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda the congratulations and best wishes of the Alliance as it celebrates its anniversary next week.
Announcements were made by Rev Lewis H Lancaster and Professor Dennis L Tarr.
The council recessed at 10.35 am. Sections met from 11.00 am to 12.30 pm. General council standing committees met from 4.00 to 6.00 pm. A Canadian evening was held at 8.00 pm.
Sunday, August 22 1982
Delegates worshipped in local and surrounding area churches. A special worship service was held in the University Centre at 7.30 pm. attended by over 200 persons.
Monday, August 23 1982
Morning session
The general council conversed at 8.45 am. Worship was led by Ms Joy Michael and Bishop RS Bhandare, moderator of the Church of North India.
Sections met from 9.30-10.30 am and standing committees from 11.00 am-12.30 pm.
Afternoon session
The president called the general council to order at 4.00 pm. He invited Dr Msgr Aloys Klein of the secretariat for promoting Christian unity, Rome, Italy to address the general council.
Dr Klein brought the greetings of the secretariat and of its secretary, Cardinal Willebrands and he told the delegates of the prayers of Roman Catholics for the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower the general council. He spoke of the exemplary work of the World Alliance in promoting human rights and he referred to the promising beginning made in the bilateral conversations between Roman Catholic and Reformed churches. He concluded his remarks by wishing God's blessing on the deliberations of the general council and he expressed the hope that it would all be to the honour of God and for the salvation of humankind.1
Professor Jarold K Zeman of the Baptist World Alliance brought warm greetings and best wishes from the Alliance. He told the delegates that if he had any doubts about the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, these doubts were dispelled as he had attended the meetings of the general council. Dr Zeman spoke of the work of the Baptist Alliance stressing its twofold emphasis on evangelism and social action, represented effectively by the work of two persons: Dr Billy Graham and Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. He spoke gratefully of the bilateral conversations between Baptists and Reformed in Europe and he expressed the hope that there would be an extension of the dialogue to the North American continent.
Reverend John William Franks brought Christian greetings and best wishes from the Congregational Federation and the International Congregational Fellowship. The federation represents the congregations which did not become part of the United Reformed Church in Great Britain. He expressed the hope and prayer that the general council would be a great witness of evangelism and service, for the remainder of this decade.
Dr János Domjáy, minister of the Hungarian Congregation in Caracas belonging to the Lutheran Church "La Resurreccion", was recognized and he was assured that representatives of the Alliance would seek to visit his small congregation, a kind of Presbyterian diaspora in Venezuela.
Dr Edmond Perret, general secretary, stated that telegrams expressing greetings had been received from the Waldensian Evangelical Church in Italy. A letter of greeting was also acknowledged from an honorary member of the Alliance executive, Rev Dr Stuart Louden of the Church of Scotland. Regrets had been received from the Presbyterian Community of Eastern Kasai, Zaire, at being unable to have a representative present at the 21st general council.
The general secretary read a letter from Rev Dr Russel Legge, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada, who had left the meeting of the general council at the end of the previous week. Dr Legge conveyed the greetings of the Disciples Ecumenical Consultative Council of the Christian Church. He commended the general council "for resisting the temptation to separate the experience of God's glory, which is a source of joy... from the pain and suffering of the body of Christ as he lives amongst us in the lives of the poor, dispossessed and disabled, as well as in the emptiness of the wealthy and seemingly successful".
The general secretary, Dr Edmond Perret, also read the following letter from Rev Beyers Naude of Johannesburg, South Africa:
"Although silenced in my own country, I believe that I speak on behalf of many Christians in South Africa, including Christians of the Reformed family of churches, when I assure you of our sincere wishes for a very fruitful gathering and our fervent prayer that the council's deliberations will convey a clear message of hope for the suffering, of justice for the oppressed and of liberation for all the people of our land from the inhuman system of apartheid.
Your brother in Christ, Beyers Naude"
The president called upon Rev Dr Harold Wilke of the USA to speak to a proposed resolution, submitted to the general council by the executive committee, which reads:
Resolution I on disabled and handicapped
The executive committee proposes that the general council adopt the following resolution, to be sent to all member churches:
To the WARC member churches
Eastertide and Pentecost are always with us, and we constantly see their meanings more deeply.
In the glory of Easter - the stone rolled away - we see barriers removed. In the wonder of Pentecost the message is heard, understood and seen by all.
Yet for many persons today - blind or deaf or retarded or in wheelchairs or otherwise disabled and handicapped - the barriers remain. The stone is still in place. The words cannot be heard, the flame of the Spirit's tongues cannot be seen, the message not understood.
Proclaiming the message, in all languages for today, means using Braille; larger print; signing or special sound systems for hearing impaired persons; image, colour and drama for retarded individuals.
Let the stone be rolled away! Let the glorious message be proclaimed truly, in all languages, so all may hear and understand!
The general council of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, meeting in Ottawa, August 17-27 1982, therefore affirms the goals of the 1983 international religious year of persons with disabilities and urges its local congregations to continue moving toward awareness of and accessibility for persons with various handicapping conditions so that all may enter.
Let the whole congregation - excluding no one because of disability or handicap - pray "Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory!".
The resolution, was moved, seconded and carried unanimously. Dr McCord and the general council by its applause expressed appreciation to Dr Wilke for his work among persons with disabilities and handicaps.
The executive proposed the following resolution on refugees:
Resolution II on refugees
The 21st general council reminds the member churches of the Alliance of the suffering of refugees in all parts of the world who have been caused to leave their homes and loved ones by natural disasters and man-made emergencies, and urges the churches to respond to the plight of the refugees through direct aid for the relief of the need for food, clothing, shelter, and medical services, and through assistance in relocation where possible, utilizing the channels of existing world, regional, and national ecumenical agencies.
It was moved, seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution III regarding Lebanon proposed by the executive committee was read by Rev Samuel Habib of the Evangelical Church, Egypt.
The resolution was moved and seconded by the executive committee. Lengthy discussions ensued during which several amendments of the resolution were proposed. The president announced that a small committee would be appointed to study the resolution and the proposed amendments. It was moved, seconded and carried that the resolution regarding Lebanon be placed on the table. Dr McCord named the special committee on the resolution on Lebanon as follows: Rev Samuel Habib, Evangelical Church, Egypt, chair; Rev Bernard Reymond, Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches; Mr John EM Gilbey, United Reformed Church in the UK; Rev Gustav-Adolf Kriener, Reformed Alliance, Federal Republic of Germany; Bishop Karoly Toth, Reformed Church in Hungary; Professor Guus Meuleman, Reformed Churches in the Netherlands; and Professor Charles C West, United Presbyterian Church in the USA as consultant.
Rev Lewis Lancaster announced that the order of the day had been arranged as follows:
Wednesday, August 25 1982
11.00 am. Report of nomination committee
2.15 pm. Resolution on apartheid
Thursday, August 26 1982
2.15 pm. Election of officers.
New seating arrangements for delegates and non-delegates were announced.
Dr William R Phillippe of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA presented to the Alliance for its library a copy of a souvenir volume, a special reprint for the 21st general council entitled Historical Decorations, Presbyterian Council Philadelphia 1880. He commended the volume, including its colour reprints, to the council delegates.
The general council recessed at 5.30 pm.
Evening session
The general council, divided into six area and regional groupings (Africa, Asia, Latin and Central America, Australasia, Europe, and Caribbean and North America) met at 8.30 pm.
Worship was led at 10.15 pm by Rev Orestes Gonzales of the Presbyterian Reformed Church in Cuba. Before worship began, Dr Fred Anderson paid tribute to Mrs Judy Guder who had served faithfully and well as the pianist for the services of morning and evening prayer. The council recessed with the benediction at 10.40 pm.
Tuesday, August 24 1982
Morning session
The general council opened at 9.00 am with worship led by Mrs Dorinda Sampath of the Presbyterian Church in Trinidad. A recess was declared at 9.30 am after which Bible study groups in English, French and German sections met unti1 10.30 am.
The president called the council to order at 11.00 am. Dr McCord presented Bishop Sotirios, a representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Istanbul, who brought warm greetings from the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Orthodox Church to the WARC general council and member churches. He stated that his church was a suffering church, seeking to minister in areas and countries where religious freedom was denied. He concluded by praying that Christ might save and sanctify the family of Reformed churches.
Rev Walter Herrenbrück of the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland, in the name of the ecumenical delegates representing the united churches in Germany, brought greetings to the general council. He expressed the hope that in the power of the Holy Spirit it might be granted to the Ottawa council to do something brave for the kingdom of God which would really help the churches in Germany.
Greetings to the general council were also extended by Rev Tymen E Hofman of the Christian Reformed Church in the USA. Mr Hofman spoke of the active participation of his church in the theological committee of the Caribbean and North American area council even though it was not an Alliance member. He expressed the hope that his church would enter into full membership in the World Alliance of Reformed Churches.
The report of the finance committee was presented by its chair, Mr John EM Gilbey of the United Reformed Church in the UK. Mr Gilbey expressed appreciation for the work of Mr Jean-François Rochette, the general treasurer and all those who assist him. Mr Gilbey read parts of the report, drawing attention to the ten sections and their accompanying resolutions (Appendix 10).
Mr Gilbey moved that the report be received. This was duly seconded and agreed. Resolution 1 was moved, seconded and adopted. Resolution 2 was moved, seconded and adopted. Resolution 3 was moved and seconded. Discussion followed. Some delegates indicated that it would be difficult for many of the third world and eastern European countries to contribute the minimum amount. The president pointed out that the suggested amount was not a tax or assessment but a challenge. The amendment "unless there are special circumstances which make this impossible" at the end of resolution 3 was accepted by the chair. When the motion was put it was carried. Resolution 4 was moved, seconded and carried with the addition of the words "with approval" after "for 1983 and 1984". It was moved, seconded and agreed that resolution 5 be adopted. Resolution 6 was moved and seconded. Rev Christian Harms, Church of Lippe, Federal Republic of Germany, moved in amendment that the words "of the Alliance and of many of its member churches as we have heard from the reports of the general secretary and of the general treasurer" replace the words "of some of the member churches... for any such increase of staff". The chair accepted this amendment. When the resolution was put to a vote it was carried. An additional resolution was proposed by the Alliance general treasurer as follows:
Resolution 8: "The general council requests that the new department of finance develop plans that will help to broaden the base of the Alliance's resources: ie special resources allotted to a particular programme, the constitution of a consultative board of financial experts, etc. with full regard to the purpose of the Alliance." The resolution was moved, seconded and carried.
The report as a whole was then adopted by common consent. Mr Jean-François Rochette, the general treasurer, spoke briefly, expressing thanks to the member churches for their financial support and to the Geneva staff for its careful handling of the limited financial resources of the Alliance. He emphasized that the theological work of the Alliance, the dissemination of information and cooperation between the churches should be kept at the forefront of the activities of the council. The president thanked Mr Rochette and also expressed the gratitude of the Alliance to the members of the finance committee.
The general council was recessed at 12.35 pm.
Afternoon session
A press conference was held at 2.15 pm. At 4 pm the president called the council to order. The report of the policy reference committee was presented by the moderator of the committee, Mrs Dorinda Sampath of the Presbyterian Church in Trinidad. The statement on apartheid (separate development) was received for information, as a special document on apartheid was being prepared. Mrs Sampath called upon Rev William Best of the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand to introduce the second statement, on the problems of human rights in Taiwan. It was moved and duly seconded that the statement on human rights in Taiwan be adopted. This motion was carried.
Rev Gordon Grant of the Church of Scotland introduced the statement on peace and justice. It was moved and seconded that the statement be adopted. A request was made that the delegates be allowed time to read the statement. Rev Gordon Grant read sections A and B, on suggestions for political action and practical recommendations. Discussion followed.
It was moved by Professor Graeme Griffin of the Uniting Church in Australia, duly seconded and carried that sections A and B be remitted to the policy reference committee, to make clear to whom the suggestions and recommendations of the resolution were directed. Mr Benjamin Masilo of the Lesotho Evangelical Church requested that the statement include a reference to the situation in Lesotho.
Ms Janine Rappaz of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches introduced the fourth section of the report, "Against torture".
It was moved and duly seconded that the declaration against torture be adopted. Rev Antoine Pfeiffer of the Reformed Church of Alsace and Lorraine, France, spoke in support of the declaration and added information about the work of' l'Action des chrétiens pour l'abolition de la torture (ACAT) in condemning and seeking the abolition of torture. Dr Ruth Cowhig of the United Reformed Church in the UK, spoke highly of the work of Amnesty International and reminded the delegates that torture was employed by respectable governments and that it would be no easy matter to stop the use of torture. Dr Victor Makari of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA drew attention to a change in the English text, the use of the word "a" instead of "the most despicable" and "a serious violation of human rights" in place of "the most serious of all violations of human rights". The motion when put was carried. The section of the report dealing with the situation in Zaire was presented by Rev Dr Grégoire Ambadiang de Mendeng of the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon. Rev Dr Oscar J McCloud of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA made two editorial changes: the substitution of "general council" in place of "commission" in paragraphs 1.4 and 2.2. The words, "Therefore, after having heard the representations of the Presbyterian community in Zaire present in Ottawa", were deleted by common consent. The statement on Zaire and 2 were carried. Dr McCord recognized the presence of Bishop Lutete Tunga of the "Reform" Community of Zaire and greeted him warmly.
The report as a whole with the exception of the statement on peace and justice was adopted on a motion duly seconded.
It was moved, seconded and carried that the resolution on Lebanon be lifted from the table.
Mr John Gilbey introduced the revised resolution and pointed out that in the second last paragraph the word "Israeli" should replace "Israel", and "Palestinians" should replace "Palestinian". The resolution on Lebanon was moved and seconded. It was moved and seconded in amendment that the words "for the government of" precede the word "Israel" in paragraph 1 of the resolution. The amendment was carried. Mr Robert Waters, representing the Congregational Union of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland, proposed that the words "all the death, suffering and destruction for which the government of Israel" replace the words, "all the destruction and death for which the government of Israel". On being duly seconded and voted on, the amendment was carried. It was also proposed by Mr Waters that the words "The Israelis and Palestinians have been responsible in the present conflict" replace the words "The government of Israel has been responsible in the present invasion." This was seconded. Discussion followed. When the amendment was voted on, it was defeated. It was also moved in amendment that the word "warring" replace "foreign" in "1. That all foreign troops...". Mr Gilbey accepted the amendment. A delegate asked that a vote be taken. When the question was put the amendment was defeated.
Rev Dr Victor Makari of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA moved in amendment that the article "the" replace "a" before "land which belongs" in point 2. This was duly seconded. When it was voted upon, the amendment was defeated.
The entire resolution was then put to a vote and it was adopted. The president recessed the general council at 6 pm.
Evening session
The general council reconvened at 8.30 pm. Rev Ezekiel Mabela Mataboge of the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa, Republic of South Africa, made a plea that the council engage in intercessory prayer before the resolution on apartheid was considered. Dr McCord thanked Mr Mataboge and said that his request would be referred to the business committee.
The report of the committee on theology was presented by Professor Jan Lochman, chair.
It was moved by Dr Lochman and duly seconded that recommendation 1 be adopted. Discussion followed. Rev Lars Lindberg of the Mission Covenant Church of Sweden proposed two amendments: that the words "on the understanding of the word of God and" be inserted between "publication" and "on" in l.a. This amendment was accepted by the chair. It was also suggested in amendment that the word "other" be deleted from 4.b before "religions". This amendment was accepted by the chair. Rev Charles Odier proposed that the words "or in minority situations" be inserted in 5 after "institutions" and before "in need of special assistance". This amendment was also accepted by the chair. Dr Lukas Vischer of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches proposed that in I 1. b the words "in full awareness of the diverse theological approaches" be added after "Reformed family". Dr Lochman agreed to the addition of these words. Mrs Ines Buhofer of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches moved that l.c become l.a and present l.a be divided into two sections dealing separately with reflection and publication. The amendment, duly seconded, was defeated. Rev Robert Waters of the Congregation Union of Scotland moved in amendment that in l.c the word "churches" precede the words "theological colleges" and the words "in all parts of the world" be inserted after "Reformed family". This amendment was accepted by Dr Lochman. Recommendation 1 was then put to a vote and it was adopted along with the above amendments.
Recommendation 2 was moved and duly seconded. Rev AC Hofland of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands moved that the words "to look for voluntary secretaries in each of the member churches for implementing 1.2" be added after "Department of theology". The amendment was duly seconded. When it was put to a vote, it was defeated.
Mr John Gilbey of the United Reformed Church in the UK moved in amendment that the words "that subject to financial resources" precede the recommendation. This addition was accepted by common consent. Recommendation 2 was voted upon and adopted.
Recommendation 3 was moved, seconded and adopted. Since the appendix in connection with recommendation 4 was not available and therefore could not be acted upon, the chair, Dr Jan Lochman moved and it was duly seconded that recommendation 5 be adopted. When put to a vote, the recommendation was adopted.
It was moved and seconded that recommendation 6 be adopted. Rev Samuel Oke Esono of the Reformed Church of Equatorial Guinea spoke of the difficulties of dialogue with Roman Catholics in his country. When put to a vote, recommendation 6 was adopted.
Recommendation 7 was moved and seconded. Discussion followed. The recommendation was adopted.
Recommendation 8 was moved, seconded and carried. It was moved and seconded that recommendation 9 be adopted. Pastor Bernard Reymond of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that the words "toward visible communion in the church" replace the words "toward the visible unity". The amendment was defeated.
It was moved by Professor EJ Kuiper of the Remonstrant Brotherhood, the Netherlands, and duly seconded that the words "toward a more visible unity" replace the words "toward the visible unity". The amendment was defeated. When put to a vote recommendation 9 was adopted.
Recommendation 10 was moved and seconded. Dr Dan L Hendricks of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, USA, stressed the need for providing interpretative material to make the study of the suggested volume more helpful. Recommendation 10 was adopted.
Consideration of the other recommendations was suspended. The general secretary, Dr Edmond Perret, read the telegram which was sent to the Waldensian Evangelical Church in Italy: "WARC general council grateful for your fine greetings reciprocates fraternal wishes for your session and the life of your churches."
1>Announcements were made by Rev Lewis H Lancaster. Evening prayer was led by Pasteur Gino Conte of the Waldensian Evangelical Church, Italy. The general council was adjourned at 10.20 pm with the benediction.
Wednesday, August 25 1982
Morning session
Morning prayer was conducted at 8.45 am by Dr Jong-Sung Rhee of the Presbyterian Church of Korea, assisted by a small choir of four Korean women.
The president called the council to order at 9.25 am. He presented Rev Sergio Ojeda Carcamo of the Association of Reformed and Presbyterian Churches in Latin America who brought greetings and spoke of the work of the association in publication, cooperation, regional encounter, etc. Mr Ojeda expressed the hope that the association might be a catalyst in the work of the Alliance.
Greetings were also brought by Rev Benjamin Masilo of the All Africa Conference of Churches. He spoke of the worrying situation of the world today, the denial of human rights in Lesotho, the practice of apartheid by South Africa and the large number of refugees in Africa. He concluded by praying that God would bless all the delegates.
The president then welcomed Rev Paul G Schrotenboer of the Reformed Ecumenical Synod, who brought greetings from his synod, which was made up of 33 churches and some 5 million members. He drew attention to the fact that one-third of the synod churches were members of the World Alliance and therefore the same problems were vexing both organizations. Dr Schrotenboer hoped for a prophetic, liberating word from the general council which would inform the deliberations of the next meeting of the Reformed Ecumenical Synod.
Consideration of the report of the committee on theology was resumed. Dr Jan Lochman, moderator, thanked the vice-moderator, Principal Ching-Fen Hsiao of Taiwan, and the secretary, Professor D'Arcy Wood of Australia, for their work. Copies of appendix I of the report of the theological committee, Reformed/Roman Catholic dialogue at the world level, were distributed.
Recommendation 11 was moved, seconded and carried. Recommendation 12 regarding the topics for a future study programme of the Alliance was moved and seconded. It was moved in amendment by Bishop Mercurio M Serifia of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines that the words "in order of priority" be deleted. The amendment was adopted. Bishop Serifia also moved and it was duly seconded that in 3 the words "The church, Israel and Islam" replace "The church and Israel". Discussion followed. Professor Janos Pasztor of the Reformed Church in Hungary moved in amendment to the amendment that 3 remain as it is and that there be a (4) "The church and Islam" and that 4 become 5. The amendment to the amendment was carried.
Rev Antoine Pfeiffer, France, moved in amendment that in 3 " Judaism" replace "Israel". This was duly seconded. The amendment was defeated.
Dr Lochman accepted a change in the wording suggested by Rev Joachim Guhrt, Federal Republic of Germany: "the relation between grace and law" instead of "grace and law" in 1. Recommendation 12 as a whole was adopted.
It was moved and duly seconded that recommendation 13 be adopted. Rev Bernard Reymond of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that the bulletin in theology be published in French and Spanish and that a study be undertaken of the possibility of a German edition. The amendment was defeated. Recommendation 13 was adopted.
The moderator of the nominations committee, Dr Gerhard Nordholt of the Evangelical Reformed Church in Northwest Germany, gave the report of the committee (Appendix 14).
The moderator thanked Dr McCord and Dr Perret for their wise counsel, Dr Darrell Guder for acting as interpreter and Ms Deborah Laing for serving as steward.
The president told the delegates that the report of the committee on nominations was formally before the council and that delegates would have 24 hours before the slate of officers and executive committee members was voted upon.
The general council turned again to the consideration of the report of the committee on theology.
Recommendation 4, which had been postponed until Appendix 1 was made available to the delegates, was now moved and seconded. The motion was approved.
It was moved and seconded that recommendation 14 be adopted. Rev Roland Revet of France moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that in substance the wording of recommendation 14 be "That a second secretary of theology be appointed by the department of theology when the financial situation of the Alliance permits envisaging an augmentation of executive personnel". This amendment was accepted by the moderator. Rev Robert Stanley Wood of the Second Cumberland Presbyterian Church, USA, moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that the words "the next staff appointment be made only after due consideration of the needs of both the department of theology and the department of cooperation and witness" be also added. The amendment was approved. Rev Charles Odier of the United Church of Canada moved in amendment that the words "preference be given to the candidature of a theologian from the third world" be added after the words "the department of theology". This amendment was accepted by Dr Lochman.
After further discussion and the necessary adjustment of the various amendments, recommendation 14 therefore read as follows: "That a second executive staff member be appointed to the department of theology; that as soon as the financial position of the Alliance permits, that staff appointment be made only after due consideration of the needs of both the department of theology and the department of cooperation and witness; that the department of theology prepare a job description for the second staff member for submission to the executive committee; and that preference be given to the candidature of a theologian from the third world." When the amended recommendation 14 was put to a vote, it was adopted.
Recommendation 15, the resolution of appreciation to Rev Richmond Smith, secretary for theology for the past 18 years, was moved, seconded and carried unanimously. The general council gave Mr Smith a standing ovation for his "exceptionally faithful service to the Alliance and its member churches."
It was moved, seconded and carried that the report as a whole as amended be adopted. The president thanked all those who worked in the committee of theology, and especially Professor Jan M Lochman, who served as moderator of the department of theology since 1970.
Archbishop Joseph A Plourde of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops brought greetings to the delegates and commended the general council for the frankness, courage and lucidity with which it was tackling the problems which were before it.
Announcements were made by Rev Lewis Lancaster of the USA.
The general council was recessed for lunch at 12.05 pm.
Afternoon session
The general council was called to order at 2.15 pm by the Alliance president, Dr James I McCord. Dr McCord told the delegates that the afternoon session on apartheid would be televised and he requested that whatever action is taken, the delegates refrain from cheering and applause.
Dr Lukas Vischer, moderator of the committee on Reformed witness today, introduced the first part of the document "Racism and South Africa" , which he said was taken from the report of his committee. He read the first part of the statement on racism and South Africa.
Dr Vischer moved the adoption of this part of the composite statement prepared by the committee on Reformed witness today. This was duly seconded.
Professor Dr Hans-Helmut Esser of the Federal Republic of Germany introduced the second part of the statement which came from section II of which he served as moderator. He reported that section II had voted 70 to 2 with one abstention on the statement. Dr Esser read the second part of the statement. It was duly moved and seconded.
Dr Lukas Vischer then read the third section in which certain questions are raised about combating racism. He moved the third section and it was duly seconded.
The mover of the motion, Dr Oscar J McCloud of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA, spoke supporting the statement. He drew attention to the fact that much of the time of the general council had been spent on the issue of apartheid. The statement arose out of painful struggle and it came as a consensus of the work of three groups.
Dr Pierre Rossouw of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk [Dutch Reformed Church], South Africa, raised a point of procedure and asked for a ruling from the president regarding the constitutionality of suspension. The president ruled that the general council is competent to take such action. Rev Dr Avery Post of the United Church of Christ, USA, rose to support the composite statement. He stated that his church had supported economic sanctions against South Africa, and had opposed the basis of apartheid in all its infrastructure. He said further that when the word of justice is muffled, God weeps.
Professor Johan Heyns of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Church, South Africa, described South Africa as a deeply divided society which is a microcosm of the racial strife in the world. He stated that blacks and whites have to live together, and that the choice is between war or reform, bloodshed or peace. Dr Heyns called for reconciliation rather than polarization and pointed to hopeful signs in the South African churches, namely that changes with regard to apartheid are taking place. He described suspension as "amputation of a diseased or cancerous limb," and he said that in taking such action the Alliance would embark on a dangerous road. He made the plea that the Alliance continue with the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk in critical dialogue and in critical solidarity for the wellbeing of the people of South Africa.
Ms Myriam Razanamihanta of the Church of Jesus-Christ, Madagascar, spoke in favour of suspension. Dr McCloud drew a distinction between suspension and expulsion. Expulsion would be permanent; suspension is temporary, until such time as the situation in the white South African churches is rectified.
Rev JE Potgieter of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk, South Africa expressed regret at the ruling of the president that the action of intended suspension was not ultra vires and he stated that it should be recorded that the following four delegates of his church voted against the ruling:
- Rev JE Potgieter, acting moderator and chair of the plenary executive of the general synod of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk
- Dr P Rossouw, director, ecumenical affairs and information
- Professor JA Heyns, member of the plenary executive of the general synod and member of the delegation
- Professor J du Preez, member of delegation
Mr Potgieter then proceeded to speak against the statement. He reminded the delegates that his church was one of the founding members of the Alliance and he drew attention to its work of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and serving him in many parts of South Africa. Mr Potgieter stated that he envied the delegates that they did not live in such a difficult multiracial situation and he spoke of the way in which the church media had distorted the position of the South African churches. In conclusion he asked the delegates to act in the spirit of the constitution of the Alliance and its purpose to "widen and deepen fellowship among member churches" and to help them fulfil their responsibilities in their own situation rather than to suspend his church.
In view of the challenge that had been raised with regard to his ruling, the president James I McCord put his ruling, that suspension was not ultra vires, to a vote. There was overwhelming support for the ruling.
Rev Dr Herbert Ehnes of the Church of Lippe, Federal Republic of Germany, spoke in favour of the statement. He pointed out that although there were some changes in the attitude of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk (NGK) and the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk (NHK) with regard to apartheid, the declaration of the 123 theologians and church people, questioning the policy of apartheid, was rejected by the two synods. Dr Ehnes stated that he did not foresee any immediate substantial change in the attitude of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk.
Dr McCord declared a recess from 3.30-4 pm. The council reconvened at 4 pm. Dr de Kuiper of the Netherlands Reformed Church spoke of the attempt of his synod to stay in contact with the white South African churches and of its solidarity with the black churches.
Professor EJ Kuiper, of the Remonstrant Brotherhood, Netherlands asked three questions:
- What does status confessionis really mean?
- What are the practical consequences of declaring something a matter of status confessionis?
- Is this meeting in a position to declare something to be a matter of status confessionis?
Dr Lukas Vischer replied to each of the questions as follows:
- To say that something constitutes a status confessionis means that our confession of Jesus Christ as Lord would be jeopardized if we admitted differing views on this issue.
- The practical consequences are indicated; namely, suspension.
- Whether the council is competent to take such action is for the council to decide.
Mr Christian van den Berg of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Africa, South Africa, spoke against the statement. He attempted to state why his church could not come to the position of declaring the policy of apartheid a heresy. The reason was twofold. First, the South African government had provided a homeland for each of the thirteen different nations, cultures and language groups where it could develop its own potential. Secondly, the government of South Africa promoted a policy of self-determination for each of these groups. He stated that his church was simply doing what the general council had done in urging a homeland for the Palestinians in its resolution on Lebanon and a land for the Taiwanese in its statement on Taiwan. He concluded by making a plea that the council not raise a political policy to the level of a status confessionis.
Mr Robert G Paynton of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland also spoke against the statement. While he was strongly opposed to apartheid, he felt that suspension would be divisive and not the Christian way. His experience of the situation in Ireland persuaded him that something short of suspension would be better. He urged the council to work and pray for a resolution of the South African problem and for the NGK and the NHK to listen to the condemnation of the policy of apartheid and to change their ways and repent.
Rev Mba Ogarekpe of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria spoke in favour of the statement and the action of suspension, stressing that such action was necessary.
Rev Robert Waters of the Congregational Union of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland spoke against the statement. He stated that the two churches which he represented were unanimous in their condemnation of apartheid - but not of the churches of South Africa. He asked whether we can reject our brother because he is behaving badly. Who can cast the first stone? Mr Waters moved the following amendment in place of II, 4 which was duly seconded:
II 4. The general council calls upon all member churches to ratify this statement and their membership of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches by resolution at the next Annual assembly of their church and asks that these decisions be communicated forthwith to the executive committee in writing so that appropriate action can be taken.
Dr OE Engelen of the Gereja Masehi Injili Sangir-Talaud, Indonesia, stated that although his church has strongly condemned apartheid he felt that suspension was a wrong course of action. He was in favour of condemning apartheid and of continuing in fellowship with the NGK and the NHK.
Professor George Yule of Australia spoke in support of Mr Water's amendment, urging the delegates to find a more creative solution than suspension. He felt that the dialogue with the NGK and the NHK would be kept open if the statement were sent to member churches and action was taken by the executive committee after the churches had responded. Dr Fred Kaan of the United Reformed Church in the UK spoke against the amendment. He pointed out that the NGK had not been very willing to participate in dialogue on the issue of apartheid. Dr Kaan concluded by saying that to ask for more time for dialogue is really not to act at all. The amendment was put to a vote and it was defeated.
Rev Dr Martin Gabriel of the Reformed General Association, German Democratic Republic, spoke in favour of the statement. Mr Hector MacFarlane of the Presbyterian Church of Australia stated that the sin of self-righteousness was not confined to South Africa and that section III had a self-righteous element. He hoped that action short of suspension would be taken. Rev Mazamisa of South Africa spoke in favour of the statement. He pointed out that the NGK and the NHK have refused to recognize blacks as human persons. He regretted the fact that at the general council attention has been focused on the two white South African churches rather than on the millions of blacks who are victims of apartheid. The credibility of the Alliance was at stake. He recommended a national convention at which both blacks and whites would be represented.
Dr Pierre Rossouw of the NGK, South Africa, spoke against the statement, pointing out that his church accepted 95 per cent of the Reformed faith. He wondered if the council were willing to take the step which would declare the NGK to be a "leper church". He spoke of heresy which was present in other churches. Was suspension the way of the future or would the churches remain in dialogue? Dr Rossouw indicated that the critique of other churches was being listened to and therefore the issue of apartheid and church unity was being discussed in his church in a most frank way. He admitted that his church was guilty of sins of omission and commission but that it shared many proofs of God's grace.
Rev Dr Douglas W Oldenburg of the Presbyterian Church in the US stated that he agreed with the main thrust of the statement but offered the following amendment to replace the first part of No.4 on p.3:
"Therefore, the general council, while urging the NGK and NHK to continue participating in all Alliance events, painfully and reluctantly is compelled to suspend the NGK and NHK from the privileges of full membership in the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (ie the right to vote and the right to hold office). We take this action until"
The amendment was duly seconded. Mr William Law of the Church of Scotland spoke in favour of the proposed amendment. Dr Oscar J McCloud of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA spoke for the wording in the composite report and against the wording of the amendment which he felt was not sufficiently explicit. The amendment was defeated.
Rev Johannes Koekemoer of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Africa, South Africa stated that his church would continue to pursue its prophetic task but that it could not do something of which it was not convinced. He said that the church was not a political party and he stressed the importance of spiritual liberation. He felt that the resolution implied a heresy hunt, the end of which one could not see.
Mrs Ruth Cowhig of the United Reformed Church of Great Britain stated that as Christians we follow the Christ who said, "I am the way, the truth and the life", and she wondered how the Alliance and its member churches could remain in dialogue with churches which did not take the matter of truth seriously. She asked in what sense was there a homeland for blacks when fathers had to leave it to go to work and in what sense was there self-determination in South Africa where black people did not have a vote. She said she hoped by this action the council would do something for the liberation of the oppressor as well as the oppressed.
Rev Douglas Armstrong of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland spoke against the statement. He said he came from a church which had condemned apartheid and had called upon the white African churches to repent of that sin. He felt, however, that suspensions would only postpone the day when apartheid would be rejected and would also drive a wedge between South Africa and the rest of the world. He assured the NGK and NHK delegates that the other churches in the Alliance would continue to pray for them until justice and peace reigned in their land.
Professor Janos Pasztor of the Reformed Church in Hungary moved the following amendment to be inserted after the 4c before "The general council...":
"The general council pays respect to those within the NGK and NHK who have raised their voices and are fighting against apartheid; the general council further urges member churches to pray that these efforts bearing witness to Christ who frees and unites may prevail within their churches."
The amendment was seconded. It was then adopted when put to a vote.
It was moved in amendment by Rev François Bill of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Africa and seconded by Rev Shaun Govender of the Netherlands Reformed Church, the Netherlands, that 4c read as follows:
"Unequivocal synod resolutions are made which reject apartheid and commit the church to dismantling this system in both church and politics."
The amendment was carried. Professor Jannie du Preez of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk, South Africa, was recognized by the Chair. Professor du Preez stated that in the congregation in which he worshipped black Christians were welcomed to communion but he acknowledged that there are churches where black Christians were not welcomed. He said that his church wished to remain in the Alliance.
The president, Dr James I McCord, stated that all those who had indicated that they wished to speak against the statement had been heard from but there were some twenty persons who still wished to speak for the statement. It was agreed that the remainder of the debate would be devoted to consideration of any amendments to the proposed statement.
Rev Dr James E Andrews of the Presbyterian Church in the US proposed the following amendment in place of the first part of 4 which was duly seconded:
"4. The general council therefore calls upon its member churches:
- To eliminate in their own investment programmes any investment in South African business or governmental activities, and to oppose such fiscal involvement by the government or business interests of their nation,
- to oppose any form of training or assistance to the military or police of South Africa,
- to seek the termination of any form of cultural, economic, social, political or religious exchange of people or resources with the churches or other institutions of South Africa,
- to deny admission to church colleges, seminaries and other institutions for members of these two churches except for those who are publicly opposed to, and actively opposing apartheid.
- to encourage our sisters and brothers of the NGK and NHK, and especially the synod of the NGK scheduled for October, to give prayerful and serious consideration to a reformation of their policies and practices with regard to apartheid.
- to encourage the NGK and NHK to continue full participation in the work of the Alliance, so that they may experience the fellowship of all races and hear the Alliance's witness to racial equality and justice.
5. The general council prayerfully and insistently urges the NGK and NHK to review their policies and practices until they achieve a reformed and renewed church in which:
a) Black Christians..." etc. as in present 4, a, b, c and concluding sentences.
Rev Shaun Govender of the Netherlands Reformed Church, Netherlands spoke against the amendment. Dr Andrew's amendment was defeated.
Mr Richard Thomas of the Presbyterian Church in the US moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that the word "welcomed" in § 4 be deleted and that in its place the phrase "restored to the full privileges of membership" be inserted. The amendment was adopted.
The president recessed the council from 6-8.30 pm.
Evening session
The council was called to order at 8.30 pm by the president. Dr McCord recognized and thanked two persons for their work at the council meeting: Dr William Klempa, Principal of The Presbyterian College, McGill University, Montreal, who served as recording secretary, and Rev Arnold Mobbs of the National Protestant Church of Geneva, Switzerland, who had already served as an interpreter at the 1948 general council.
Rev LJ Politton of the Gereja Protestan di lrian Jaya, Indonesia, rose to state that he was opposed to the action of suspension. Dr William Thompson of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA asked when suspension, were it imposed on the NGK and the NHK, would take effect. Dr McCord replied that it would be in force immediately after the 21st general council had been adjourned on Friday, August 27 1982.
Dr Lukas Vischer of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches spoke briefly at the conclusion of the debate emphasizing that the first part of the statement was addressed to black Christians and that the second part was a declaration of the Alliance to its member churches as well as an action taken within the Alliance. The statement did not prescribe the kind of action which each member church might take in response.
Mrs Corine Combes of the Reformed Church of France rose and asked that the few minutes which were to be allotted to her to speak be reserved for prayer and reflection before the vote was taken.
It was moved and seconded that Part II, §4, a, b, & c be adopted. The motion was adopted by a vote of 220 in favour, 20 against and 12 abstentions.
Six delegates to the general council requested permission to make the following explanation of their vote:
"The undersigned declare that they support without reservations the resolutions concerning the churches in South Africa (NGK and NHK); in doing so, however, they do not take any fundamental theological position as to the use in I of the words "status confessionis" and "heresy".
Rev Dr Peter Dalbert, Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches
Rev Bernard Reymond, Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches
Professor Dr EJ Kuiper, Remonstrant Brotherhood, the Netherlands
Rev Gerhard Brubacher, Evangelical Reformed Church, Luxemburg
Mrs Seraina Brubacher-Sigrist, Evangelical Reformed Church, Luxemburg
Rev Dan L Hendricks, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, USA"
The statement on racism and South Africa as a whole was then voted upon and adopted. The president, Dr James I McCord of Princeton Seminary, asked each delegate to search his or her heart for what vestiges of racism still remained, and he said that he looked forward to the day when the NGK and the NHK would be restored to full Alliance membership.
Rev Dr Herbert Ehnes of the Church of Lippe, Federal Republic of Germany, proposed the following motion:
"The general council of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches request the executive committee at its next meeting to take appropriate steps so that the banning of Dr Beyers-Naude and his friends which expires in October 1982 will not be renewed and also no other measures will be taken against him."
The motion was seconded and when put to a vote, it was adopted.
The long report of section II, "The power of grace and the graceless powers" was presented by its moderator, Professor Hans-Helmut Esser of the Federal Republic of Germany. (Appendix 16). Mrs Ruth Cowhig of the United Reformed Church in the UK made two corrections, the insertion of the word "only" after "racial superiority" in line 3 on page 3 and the omission of the names of those who spoke about the situation in Korea and in Taiwan.
It was moved and duly seconded that the long report be received. This was carried.
The secretary of section II, Professor Hugh Koops of the Reformed Church in America, presented the short report. (Appendix 17). It was moved, seconded and carried.
Rev Bernard Reymond of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches spoke of a glaring omission in the document regarding the situation in eastern Europe.
Professor Lukas Vischer of Switzerland, moderator of the committee on Reformed witness today introduced the report of his committee which he stated would be placed into the hands of the delegates to read and study before it is considered by the general council. He indicated that the document would be sent to member churches for study and report but that it would be completed before it was sent, ie with regard to editorial changes, additions, etc. Response would be invited not later than December 31 1984.
Dr Avery Post of the United Church of Christ, USA introduced the long report of section III, "The theatre of glory and a threatened creation's hope." He then proceeded to read the long report. .
It was moved, seconded and agreed that the report of section III be received.
The short report was presented by the vice-moderator of section III, Rev Dr Willy A Roeroe of the Gereja Masehi Injili di Minahasa, Indonesia.
It was moved and duly seconded that the report with its three recommendations be approved. Rev Charles Odier of the United Church of Canada expressed regret that the resolutions were so general and insipid and indicated that he would vote against the report. Rev Mrs Leni Altwegg of the Evangelical Reformed Church in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, said that this was her third general council and she expressed the hope that in the future the council would meet in smaller groups and not make such general meaningless statements. Mrs Ruth Cowhig of the United Reformed Church in the UK asked that a contribution be made to the Waldensian Evangelical Church in Italy, which organized a demonstration against cruise missiles in Sicily. The motion was put and the report of section III was carried.
Evening prayer was led by Dr Mukome Tshihamba of the Presbyterian Community, Church of Christ in Zaire. The council was recessed with the benediction at 10.30 pm.
Thursday, August 26 1982
Morning session
At 8.30 am, morning prayer was led by Mrs Sahetapy-Engel and the whole delegation of the Protestant Church of Indonesia. Dr Fred Kaan's hymn "Gathered here from every nation" was translated into Spanish by Professor D Vidal and it was sung for the first time during the worship service.
Dr Fred Kaan of the United Reformed Church in the UK presented the policy reference committee's revised suggestions and recommendations on peace and justice (url). Dr Anneke Geense-Ravestein of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands requested that the statement on peace and justice be read to the council. Dr Kaan proceeded to read the statement.
Bishop Karoly Toth of the Reformed Church in Hungary then read the revised suggestions and recommendations.
It was moved and duly seconded that the statement on peace and justice and the revised suggestions and recommendations be adopted.
Mrs Ruth Cowhig of the United Reformed Church of Great Britain moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that A §7 be placed under B to be §8 and that the council recommend that a study group on the export of arms be set up as well as a study group on the theology of peace. In reply, Bishop Toth indicated that his committee could not agree with the first part of the amendment, namely to delete §7 under "A. Suggestions for Political Action", but that the second part of the amendment, to set up a study group on the export of arms, was acceptable. Mrs Cowhig agreed and the words "and to set up a study on the economic consequences of the prohibition and prevention of the import and export of arms" were added by common consent to B §9 after "theology of peace."
Dr Lukas Vischer of Switzerland moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that an introductory sentence be added to A and it read as follows:
"In the limited time at its disposal, the general council was not able to undertake a detailed analysis of the issues connected with the theme, "peace and justice", yet at the same time it makes the following suggestions which member churches should take up with their governments concerning disarmament and in particular nuclear disarmament:"
Mr Hector MacFarlane of the Presbyterian Church, Australia requested that the executive committee make clear which of the policies of the World Council of Churches it was commending to member churches.
Rev Robert Waters of the Congregational Union of Scotland moved in amendment that A §4 of the revised suggestions and recommendations read, "To undertake never to initiate nuclear conflict" in place of the proposed A §4. This amendment was accepted by Bishop Toth. Rev Dr Herbert Ehnes of the Church of Lippe, Federal Republic of Germany moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that the words "and certainly not to be the first to use them" be deleted. The amendment was defeated.
Dr Bernard Reymond of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches moved two amendments which were accepted by the moderator of the committee:
- that the word "general" in B 4) be deleted
- that B 8) read "To stimulate theological studies on the problems of war and peace and of the responsibilities of governments today".
Dr Toth accepted this amendment. Accordingly B § 8 read as follows:
8) To stimulate theological studies on the problems of war and peace and of the responsibilities of governments today and to set up a study on the economic consequences of the prohibition and prevention of the import and export of arms.
Rev Christian Harms of the National Church of Lippe, Federal Republic of Germany proposed the following two amendments:
First, that, in the text preceding the recommendations, the sentence "Moreover, as Jesus Christ is the..." now read: "Jesus Christ is the reconciler and lord of the whole world and his power does not end at the boundaries of the Christian community. That means first of all that we may not become opponents or even enemies of those who think differently on this matter. Secondly, it means that above all we will work in the peace movement with many others who are not Christians."
Secondly, that under B there be a new § 1 to read as follows: 1) "To help waken the consciousness of all Christians that the concern for peace is not only the responsibility of political action but is a responsibility which belongs to every individual and every individual community" and accordingly that 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) become 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9)." This proposed change was accepted by Bishop K Toth of Hungary.
Professor D' Arcy Wood of the Uniting Church of Australia suggested a correction of A 1) namely, the addition of the word "or" so as to read as follows: "To seek ways of resolving conflicts without the use of or threat of force."
The correction was accepted on behalf of the committee by its moderator, Dr K Toth.
Bishop Mercurio M Serifia of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines said that the statement did not altogether speak to his own situation which had more to do with civil strife than disarmament.
Ms Dorothy Berry of the United Church of Christ, USA, suggested that section B be entitled "recommendations to member churches." This suggestion was accepted.
The revised suggestions and recommendations of the policy reference committee on peace and justice were voted upon and were adopted. The entire report on peace and justice was then adopted by common consent.
The report of the committee on cooperation and witness was given by its moderator. Mrs Jackie Mattonen expressed appreciation to her predecessor in the office, Rev Dr Raymond Kearns, Jr. of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA. She then read the report of her committee.
It was moved and seconded that section A of part 1 be adopted. Dr William Phillippe of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA spoke of the American convention on human rights and he regretted that some governments had not accepted these agreements. A was adopted.
Mrs Ruth Cowhig of the United Reformed Church in the UK moved in amendment that the words "and Amnesty International" be added to A 3) after the words "and the Latin American coalitions." This amendment was accepted by Mrs Mattonen.
Rev Bernard Reymond of Switzerland moved in amendment that in Part I, A 2) read as follows: "deprived of their rights or thwarted in the exercise of them or victims of a concealed or obvious oppression, especially when imprisoned for their stand on human rights..." This proposed amendment was accepted by Mrs Mattonen. On being put to a vote Part I A as amended was adopted.
It was moved and duly seconded that Part I, B be adopted. Rev Ms Sylvia Michel of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches requested that the new executive committee give primary attention to ways in which women may participate in greater numbers and more fully in the work of the Alliance. Mrs Fernanda Comba of the Waldensian Evangelical Church in Italy suggested that the final paragraph of Part I, B read, "and the subunit on women and society" instead of "women's desk..."
Dr OE Engelen of the Gereja Masehi Injili Sangir-Talaud, Indonesia, proposed that the words "and other groups" be inserted after "women's groups" and "on the subject of these problems."
It was so agreed by the moderator of the committee. Section B was then voted upon and carried.
Part II A 1, 2 & 3 were adopted by common consent.
It was moved and seconded that Part II B, 1 and 2 with the changed heading "Mutual caring" instead of "Interchurch aid" be adopted. This was carried. Part II, B 3b) was moved and duly seconded. Rev Victor H Stryker of the Presbytery of Liberia in West Africa asked about the kind of grants which were made from the special services fund. Rev Aldo Comba, WARC secretary for cooperation and witness explained that the grants were of a rescuing nature. Recommendation B 3b) was adopted.
It was moved and seconded that II C 1 and 2 be adopted. Dr Oscar J McCloud of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA suggested that the first sentence of II, C, 2 be deleted, ie "The committee... department's work." This was done by common consent. Dr McCloud also moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that II, C, 1 read as follows:
"Because of the increased responsibilities of the department (women's section and civil liberty section) that when finances permit there be an increase in the staff of the department of cooperation and witness."
The amendment was carried. Mr William Law of the Church of Scotland proposed that the following words be added to II, C 1 (Staff):
"and that consideration of such an appointment should be given only after sufficient increased funds are available and consideration has been given by the executive committee to the staffing needs of both the department on cooperation and witness and the department of theology."
Mrs Mattonen, moderator of the committee, accepted Mr Law's suggestion.
Ms Kay A Randels of the United Church of Christ, USA, moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that the following words be added to II C.
"Strong consideration should be given to the employment of a woman for the staff of the department of cooperation and witness."
There was some debate regarding where these words should be inserted and whether the recommendation should stipulate a woman. Ms Randels' amendment was carried by a vote of 78 for, 56 against and 17 abstentions. When the amended motion - which now read as follows:
"Because of the increased responsibilities of the department (women's section and civil liberty section) that when finances permit there be an increase in the staff of the department of cooperation and witness it being understood that strong consideration be given to the employment of a woman for the staff of the department of cooperation and witness, and moreover that consideration
of such an appointment should be given only after sufficient increased funds are available and consideration has been given by the executive committee to the staffing needs of both the department on cooperation and witness and the department of theology" - was put to a vote it was carried.
Part III A & B was moved and seconded. Mrs Mattonen, moderator of the committee, asked the council to insert the following words: the word "specific" between "set" and "goals" in III B I); the words "specific referrals" in place of guidelines in III, B.2); and the word "solutions" instead of "decisions" in III B.3). This was agreed. III A & B were adopted.
Mrs Mattonen then moved the acceptance of the report in its entirety and that its recommendations as amended be adopted. This was duly seconded and carried.
Mrs Mattonen reported that the committee had one remit from the executive committee, which was the preparation of a covering letter to the churches in Lebanon to accompany the resolution on Lebanon. Dr Victor Makari of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA requested that a letter also be sent to the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon.
The president, Dr James I McCord thanked Mrs Jackie Mattonen for her splendid work on behalf of the general council and its committee on cooperation and witness.
The report of section I, "The people of the covenant and the mission of the kingdom", was introduced by the Most Rev Dr RS Bhandare of the Church of North India. He stated that the section could not achieve unanimity. Rev Miss Joan Barr of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland read the long report to the council.
It was moved and duly seconded that the long report be received. This was carried.
The vice-moderator of section I, President Dr Jong-Sung Rhee of the Presbyterian Church of Korea, read the shorter statement. Its acceptance was then moved and seconded.
Two amendments were proposed by Dr Karel Blei of the Netherlands Reformed Church, the Netherlands:
- that after the words "the call of God" in 1 the remainder of the sentence read "testified to in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the divine life and ministry of Jesus Christ."
- that in the last sentence of 3 after "Thus" and before "He established" the words "in confirming the Old Covenant" be inserted.
This change was accepted by the moderator of the committee.
Ms Janine Rappaz of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches stated that it was regrettable that in §5 "deadness" was identified only with the older churches. Professor Janos Pasztor of the Reformed Church in Hungary suggested that the first part of §5 read as follows: "Often within some churches there is a lack of vitality, decline and lack of vision and joy in sharing the good news. In contrast, other churches are vital, expanding..." It was also suggested that the first sentence be deleted. Mr John Hardaker of the United Reformed Church in the UK insisted that the first sentence be retained since there was deadness in the older churches. Rev Mba Ogarakpe of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria agreed. Rev Denzil James Brown of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand complained that the entire short statement was dull. Mrs Alma Adzraku-Agbenowu of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, and Rev Ezekiel Kutjok Akulith of the Presbyterian Church in the Sudan supported the original wording. Rev Victor H Stryker of the Presbytery of Liberia in West Africa stated that he could not agree with the term "deadness." If the church is the body of Christ then it cannot be dead. Pastor Bernard Reymond of Switzerland suggested that the short report should only be received, but not adopted. Professor Pasztor moved his suggested amendment and it was duly seconded. The amendment was adopted.
Pastor Gustav-Adolf Kriener of the Reformed Alliance, Federal Republic of Germany, proposed that the words "and Jesus of Nazareth" be inserted after "through Israel" in §2, and Rev David Botha of the Dutch Reformed Mission Church in South Africa proposed that the words "their anticipation of" be inserted after the word "world" and before the words "the future and final victory..." These two proposals were accepted. Ms Mary-Jo Romberger of the United Church of Christ, USA, moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that §1 be changed to read:
"The people of the covenant include those who recognize and accept the call of God testified to in the Old Testament and those who recognize the divine life and ministry of Jesus Christ."
The amendment was defeated. Rev Robert Waters of the Congregational Union of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland moved in amendment and it was seconded that the words "into union with the death of Christ" after "Baptism" and "is a sign..." be deleted. The amendment was defeated. Mrs Ruth Cowhig of the United Reformed Church in the UK stated that she was not happy with the exclusiveness of the document.
The full text of the shorter report of section I as amended was then put to a vote and adopted. Dr James I McCord, president of the Alliance, thanked Bishop Bhandare of the Church of North India, moderator of section I for his work and that of his section.
At 12.20 pm the children from the children's programme of the council came into the hall and presented a flower to each of the delegates. Mr Lewis H Lancaster read the announcements. The council was recessed at 12.25 pm.
Afternoon session
The general council was reconvened at 2.20 pm by its president, Dr James I McCord of Princeton Theological Seminary, USA. The council began with the order of the day - the presentation of the report of the nominations committee. President James I McCord took a few minutes to explain the procedures which were set out in the by-laws and which would be followed.
Dr Gerdhard Nordholt of the Evangelical Reformed Church in Northwest Germany, Federal Republic of Germany, the moderator of the nominations committee presented the report.
It was moved, seconded and agreed with enthusiastic applause that Rev Dr Allan Boesak of the Dutch Reformed Mission Church, Republic of South Africa, be elected president of the Alliance by acclamation.
In addition to the president, the other officers of the Alliance were elected individually by acclamation. (See report of nominating committee).
Before the members of the executive committee were elected, Mrs Leni Altwegg of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, requested permission to make a statement. After some discussion, she was given permission to speak on the matter of the representation of women on the executive committee. She said she spoke on behalf of some of the women delegates who felt there was an under-representation of women as also of lay persons in the WARC executive committee. Mrs Altwegg pointed out that
- women represented less than 25 per cent of the executive committee;
- there were no women on the executive committee representing Africa; and
- there were no women representing Europe on the executive committee.
She challenged the general council to do something to remedy this situation. Accordingly, she moved and it was duly seconded that Miss Mgbeke G Okore of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria be added to the list of executive committee members.
The president ruled that this matter could be referred to the executive committee for subsequent action since according to the rules it was not possible to increase the number of the members of the executive committee from 25 to 26 persons. The constitution and by-laws would need to be changed and this would require proper notice and ratification by two-thirds of the council. Dr McCord pointed out that the course of action available to any delegate was to move in amendment a name in place of a name on the proposed slate. Dr William R Phillippe of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA disagreed and accordingly appealed the ruling of the president. The ruling of the president was upheld by a large majority of the delegates. Dr Oscar J McCloud of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA stated that as a matter of personal privilege he wished to indicate that he would abstain from any further voting on the proposed slate of executive members.
The president proceeded to read the proposed slate. Ms Marsha Wilfong of the Presbyterian Church in the US and Rev Charles Odier of the United Church of Canada protested that the president was reading from an alphabetical list while the list the delegates had was according to different continents. Dr McCord reviewed the names already read and elected by acclamation and then proceeded with the remainder of the list. Mrs Ruth Cowhig of the United Reformed Church in the UK moved in amendment and it was duly seconded that the name of Ms Janine Rappaz of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches replace the name of Professor Guus Meuleman of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands. Ballots were distributed to each of the delegates as stipulated in the constitution and by-laws. The general council proceeded to elect the entire proposed slate by acclamation with the exception of the election between Professor Guus Meuleman and Ms Janine Rappaz.
Dr James I McCord then called upon Professor Lukas Vischer of Switzerland to present the report of the committee on Reformed witness today. Dr Vischer thanked the consultants who had worked with the committee. He stressed that the report was incomplete and he invited comments from the delegates. The following persons offered comments and suggestions, which were recorded by Dr Vischer: Professor Jan Lochman of Switzerland; Dr Karel Blei, Netherlands Reformed Church; Dr Arie R Brouwer, Reformed Church in America; Rev AC Hofland, Reformed Churches in the Netherlands; Rev Dr Willy A Roeroe, Gereja Masehi Injili di Minahasa, Indonesia; Rev Martin Gabriel, Reformed General Association, German Democratic Republic; Rev Mrs Ines Buhofer, Evangelical Reformed Church of Canton of Zurich, Switzerland; and Bishop Laszlo Kurti, Reformed Church in Hungary.
A recess was declared from 3.30-4.00 pm. Before the council recessed it was announced that Ms Janine Rappaz of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches had been elected to the executive committee.
When the council reconvened at 4.00 pm Dr Dennis Tarr made several announcements.
The council continued with the consideration of the report of the committee on Reformed witness today and heard comments from Professor George Yule of Australia; Rev S Govender of the Netherlands Reformed Church; Rev Ezekiel Kutjok Akulith of the Presbyterian Church in the Sudan; and Rev Gustav-Adolf Kriener of the Reformed Alliance, Federal Republic of Germany.
Professor Lukas Vischer spoke briefly in response. He thanked those who had spoken and who had suggested how the document could be improved. He stated that a real attempt would be made to incorporate some of the comments. Dr Vischer made two general comments.
First, there was a difference in tone with regard to methodology between the preparatory and the present draft of the document. The ideal way in which the subjects were ordered: namely, the gospel, the Reformed tradition and the contemporary world should be thought of more in terms of a circle rather than a straight line.
Secondly, he acknowledged the immense difference which exists between the various contexts in which member churches live especially with regard to such matters as the scarcity of food and the problem of hunger and starvation. The priority of life-problems is not the same in the third world as in Europe and North America.
Dr Vischer moved and it was duly seconded that the general council take the following action:
The general council
- receive the study document with the understanding that some further editorial work will need to be done, especially with regard to the following points:
- the remarks made with respect to the document in the plenary session of the general council should be considered
- actions of the general council which are relevant to the purpose of the study document should be taken into account
- stylistic improvements should be made and repetitions avoided.
- ask the WARC executive committee to name a group which will have the responsibility to complete the document.
- direct that the document be sent to the member churches with the request that it be distributed for study and action and a response no later than December 31 1984.
- instruct the WARC secretariat to follow the process, to make the necessary arrangements for an evaluation of the churches' replies and to prepare a report on them to the member churches."
The motion was adopted.
Dr William F Thompson of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA reported that a review had been made of changes which were required in the by-laws in view of the earlier action of the general council in setting up a department of finance. Accordingly Dr Thompson moved and it was seconded that:
- VII Finances, "b." be struck and that the following be substituted: "b. The general treasurer shall work in close collaboration with the department of finance."
- in the second line of "c" the words, "Department of" be inserted before the word "finance" and that the word "committee" following the word "finance" be struck.
- in the third line of "e" that the words "to the department of finance" be inserted following the word "secretary".
The motion was adopted. Professor George Yule of the Uniting Church in Australia moved and it was seconded that the general council instruct the executive committee to explore ways in which non-delegates to the general council of member churches could, if necessary, be eligible for election to the executive committee and take appropriate action. The motion was defeated.
Rev Brian Copeland of the United Church of Canada presented resolution IV, on the rights of native people in Canada. He moved and it was seconded that the resolution be adopted. Professor Charles Johnston of the United Church of Canada spoke in favour of the resolution and outlined the background of the issue of native rights. Pastor Christian Harms of the Church of Lippe, Federal Republic of Germany, also spoke in favour of the resolution. When voted on, the motion was carried but with a large number of the delegates abstaining.
Dr Edmond Perret, general secretary, read resolution V, on Lesotho . It was moved and seconded that it be adopted. Ms Janine Rappaz requested that members of the general council send a letter to the government of Lesotho. Rev Ezekiel Mabela Mataboge of the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa, Republic of South Africa, requested that there be a period of silent time and prayer before the motion was voted upon. President James I McCord asked that Mr Mataboge lead the council in prayer. After a moment of silence, Mr Mataboge prayed for the church in Lesotho, for those who were not living in freedom and for those who had lost relatives and neighbours, and also for the government of Lesotho. He concluded by praying for peace in Lesotho. When the motion was voted on, it was carried unanimously.
Rev Barkev Apartian of the Union of Evangelical Armenian Churches brought greetings to the general council and expressed gratitude for the work of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and its leaders. He spoke of the genocide which had been perpetrated upon the Armenian people. Dr McCord thanked Mr Apartian for his greetings and asked him to take the greetings and best wishes of the general council to his church.
Dr Christian Harms of the Church of Lippe, Federal Republic of Germany, spoke regarding the present procedure which is employed with respect to nominations and suggested that a slate of thirty persons be presented for membership on the executive committee and that out of the thirty candidates, twenty-five be elected.
Dr Arie Brouwer of the Reformed Church in America and Mrs Sara Flagg of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA, moved and seconded respectively the following resolution:
To direct the executive committee to study and bring recommendations to the next general council concerning the proposal that the by-laws, article II a.1 shall be amended by adding to the end "delegations of more than one person shall be at least 50 per cent women", and further that the executive committee be directed to urge the member churches in the name of this general council voluntarily to comply with this provision in naming their delegation to the next general council, and further, that the executive committee study and bring recommendations to the next general council concerning the proposal that the constitution and by-laws be amended to group the churches into an appropriate number of regions (perhaps approximately 10-15) and provide that each region having more than one seat on the executive committee shall be represented by at least one woman.
The resolution was adopted.
Dr James E Andrews of the Presbyterian Church in the US and chair of the resolutions committee presented the committee's report (Appendix 25). The report was seconded and adopted by an unanimous vote.
Dr Edmond Perret, general secretary of the Alliance reminded the general council that the nominations committee had proposed Dr James I McCord as honorary member of the executive committee of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. He expressed appreciation to Mrs Hazel McCord for allowing her husband to give so much time to the Alliance. Dr Perret then spoke of Dr McCord's commitment, evident through several general councils, to the Reformed family of churches, and of his leadership, wisdom and vision and his courage in speaking on behalf of the people of God. He described him as a guide, friend and pastor. Dr Perret then presented Mrs and Dr McCord with a book, and a lamp which was made from the rock under St Peter's Cathedral in Geneva, coming from a church probably built in the fourth century. Dr McCord thanked Dr Perret for the gift and expressed appreciation to the delegates for their part in the general council.
Dr McCord then presented the newly elected president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, Rev Dr Allan Boesak of the Dutch Reformed Mission Church, South Africa. Dr Boesak then moved and it was duly seconded and adopted by acclamation that Dr James I McCord be elected honorary member of the executive committee of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches.
Dr Boesak asked Dr Fred Anderson to read a poem written by Dr Kao of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, who was serving a prison term. Dr Anderson read the poem, which can be sung to the tune "Yiqdal, an ancient Hebrew melody" (The God of Abraham praise):
The burning bush it burns
it burns in fiercest flame,
Yet it is not devoured,
but firmly stands the same,
The fire does not depart
yet still new shoots outsurge
The kindling flames will start
and blossoms fair emerge.
E'en in the fiery flame
Christ's church can prosper still
His Holy Spirit burnish
Those who seek his will
With courage then we strive
to be Christ's servants true,
And as our pain fills up
So faith is deepened too.
In persecution's urns
Christ's own their courage keep
The burning bush still burns
and we are still his sheep
The burning bush it burns,
it burns in fiercest flame,
Yet it is not devoured,
but firmly stands the same.
(translated by David Lewis and Fred Anderson)
Dr Boesak began his remarks by saying that his election to the office of president was unexpected and undeserved, but that he could not but respond to the call of God through the will of the general council. He pledged that as president he would endeavour to bring a message of help and healing to the churches of the World Alliance. He stated that we must learn as churches and as individuals to embody in our faith and life the hope we have in Christ.
Dr Boesak made reference to two matters: first, the action of the general council with respect to apartheid and secondly, the issue which the women raised. With regard to apartheid he observed that the 21st general council had spoken out clearly and positively. The historic and awesome step, he said, should be respected in the same spirit in which it was taken. It was not an amputation. Dr Boesak stated that the Alliance refused to let the suspended churches of South Africa go and he hoped that they would see this as an opportunity to reassess their stand. With regard to the issue raised by the women, Dr Boesak said that he shared that concern and the rightness of the cause. He would do his best to invite a woman from Africa to represent women from Africa on the executive committee. He concluded his remarks by asking for prayers of the delegates and by referring to 2 Corinthians 4.5: "For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake". (For the full text of his address click here.)
Dr McCord thanked Dr Boesak and announced that the newly elected executive committee would meet at 8.30 pm. The general council was adjourned to meet for the concluding service of worship in Knox Presbyterian Church. Dr McCord pronounced the benediction.
The council was led in a brief service of evening prayer by delegates of the Reformed Church of France.
The 21st general council of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (Presbyterian and Congregational) came to an end on Friday, August 27 1982, with the benediction concluding the eucharistic service held at Knox Church (Presbyterian Church in Canada), Ottawa, Canada, at 10.30 am. The service was led by the retiring president, Dr James I McCord, of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA.
Others participating in the service, in various languages, were: Dr Allan A Boesak, Dutch Reformed Mission Church, Republic of South Africa, newly elected WARC president; Rev Dr Fred R Anderson, United Presbyterian Church in the USA; Dr Chung-Hyun Ro, Presbyterian Church in Korea; Rev Barkev Apartian, Union of Evangelical Armenian Churches in the Near East, Syria and Lebanon; Mr Andre Petit, United Church of Canada; Rev Walter Dedi, Evangelical Reformed Church in Berne, Switzerland; Mrs Prakai Nontawasee, Church of Christ in Thailand; Mrs Fernanda Comba, Waldensian Evangelical Church, Italy; Mr John EM Gilbey, United Reformed Church in the UK; Dr Lukas Vischer, Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches; Rev Roland Revet, Reformed Church of France; Mrs Ruth Kao, Presbyterian Church in Taiwan; Rev Sergio Arce Martinez, Presbyterian Reformed Church in Cuba; Rev Ms Leni Altwegg, Evangelical Reformed Church in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland; Rev Mbeke Okera, Presbyterian Church in Nigeria; Rev Stellios Kaloterakis, Evangelical Church, Greece; Dr Darrell L Guder, United Presbyterian Church in the USA; Mr Manuel A Gajardo Gomez, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Chile.
Instrumental and vocal music were provided by Ms Denise Hawbins, organist; The Ottawa Board of Education central alumni choir, Ms Barbara Clark, director; Ms Elizabeth Dobie, soprano soloist; Mr William Bowen, baritone soloist; Ms Suzan Makovkin, singer; Ms Questa D Anderson, dancer.
President Dr James I McCord preached on 1 Cor 11.26. See "You do show the Lord's death".
During the service, the newly elected officers and members of the executive committee were installed.
William J Klempa, recording secretary
Note
1. By letter of September 20 1982, Msgr A Klein indicated that His Holiness Pope John Paul II had sent, on July 26 1982, a message to the general council. This message did not reach the general council when it was in session. The message of Pope John Paul II is appended to the minutes.
          |