An Appeal to General Synod Abbotsford, 1995

From the Church at Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A.

OBSERVATIONS

1.   General Synod Lincoln, 1992, decided to enter into a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) according to the adopted rules (Acts, Art. 111, IV).

II.    The Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) reports that the PCK holds the same views as the OPC with regard to the divergencies identified as supervision of the Lord's table and confessional membership. In a letter from the Committee on Ecumenicity and Interchurch Relations (CEIR) of the OPC to our CCOPC, dated March 3, 1993, it is stated, "...both the PCK and the FCS have essentially the same position as the OPC in matters of confessional membership and supervision of the Lord's Table!" (Report CCOPC to Synod 1995, II.B.I., p.7). And in its report to the Sixty-First General Assembly, 1994, CEIR reported, "IT is the judgment of the committee that given the fact that the CANREF has entered into ecclesiastical fellowship with two churches, the Free Church of Scotland and the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Kosin), whose views and practices are the same as those of the OPC with regard to what are called divergences (sic), there are no divergences (sic) remaining that would bar full ecclesiatical fellowship." (Minutes, p. 211, D.3.). No evidence can be found in the Acts of any of our Synods showing that these two matters, which are still considered impediments to full Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the OPC, were resolved prior to establishing Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the PCK.

CONSIDERATION

In light of the reports to various Synods about the PCK, and the assertions of the OPC regarding the Lord's Supper and confessional membership, it is clear that these two issues were not resolved prior to entering into a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the PCK.

CONCLUSION

In accord with the pattern of our relationship wiht the OPC, the church at Grand Rapids believes these two issues of supervision of the Lord's table and confessional membership should have been resolved before entering into a relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the PCK.

RECOMMENDATIONS

I.    That the decision to establish Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the PCK be rescinded.

II.    That an explanation and apology be sent to the PCK based on the above information.

III.    That we reaffirm to the PCK our desire to continue contact with them wiht a view to resolving all impediments remaining which prevent full Ecclesiastical Fellowship.

IV.    That the CRCA be instructed to investigate these two issues of supervision of the Lord's table and confessional membership and report to another General Synod.

        We pray that our heavenly Father will guide you by His Spirit in all your deliberations and decisions for the honor of His Name and the glory of His Son our Savior.

For the Consistory of

the Church at Grand Rapids, MI

Rev B. R. Hofford, President

G. P. Vellenga, Vice-President