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Article 50 Churches Abroad

The relationship with churches abroad shall be regulated by general synod. With foreign churches of Reformed confession, a sister-church relationship shall be maintained as much as possible. On minor points of Church Order and ecclesiastical practice, churches abroad shall not be rejected.

Notes

• Acknowledge God's work! Do some "Theological Triage" to decide what minor points of CO and ecclesiastical practice.

Sister-Church Relationships

The sister-church model is based on mutual recognition of:

• Shared doctrinal commitments (Reformed confessions).
• Ecclesiastical accountability through formal agreements.
• Encouragement in faithfulness while respecting local contexts.
  This relationship promotes:
• Inter-church support (e.g., theological education, missions).
• Pulpit and membership access in certain cases.
• Collaboration on doctrinal and ethical matters.

North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC)

The CanRC participates in NAPARC, which fosters cooperation among Reformed churches.
Golden Rule Comity Agreement – Guidelines for respectful interdenominational engagement:

1. Sensitivity to existing churches and mission ministries – Avoid competition.
2. Communication before initiating church plants – Prevent conflicts.
3. Regular updates on ministry progress – Promote transparency.
4. Encouragement of regional collaboration – Strengthen partnerships.
   This agreement reflects a Reformed commitment to unity while respecting the autonomy of local churches.

Application in Church Order

• The CanRC Synod ensures unity with international Reformed churches.
• Differences in secondary church practices should not break fellowship.
• The focus remains on doctrinal integrity rather than uniformity in tradition.

Theological Considerations

• Acknowledge God’s work! We will need to do some “theological triage” to decide what might be minor points of Church Order and ecclesiastical practice. Discussion and debate are inevitable.

Categories of Doctrinal Importance:

1. Fundamental articles of primary importance
   • Those teachings that, if absent, put you outside of being Christian: particularly, the Trinity, two natures of Christ, Holy Scriptures.
2. Secondary articles
   • Those doctrines that vary between Christian churches and warrant separate organization and worship,
     but are all within Christianity. Examples:
     • Different views on the Lord’s Supper (paedocommunion, credocommunion, consubstantiation,
       spiritual presence).
     • Different views on baptism (credo vs. paedo).
     • Different views on church government (congregational, prelatic, Reformed).
     • Church singing (hymns?).
3. Tertiary articles
   • Those practices and minor points that may vary between members within the same church or
     between churches in the same federation. Examples:
     • May one pray to the Holy Spirit directly?
     • May one confess that Christ descended into hell?
     • May one sing CCM in worship?
     • What is the nature of the soul and where is it in the intermediate state?
     • Should baptism be by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion?
     • Views of the millennium?
     • What about admission of guests to the Lord’s Table?

Levels of Ecclesiastical Fellowship

Other churches have two or three levels of ecclesiastical fellowship:
Example: URCNA

• See CanRC document
  1. Corresponding Relations
  2. Ecclesiastical Fellowship
  3. Church Union
     Example: OPC
• See OPC Relations and OPC Rules
  1. Ecumenical Contact
  2. Corresponding Relations
  3. Ecclesiastical Fellowship

Proposed Revision for Synod 2025

New wording for Article 50: Ecumenical Relations

Ecumenical relationships with other churches of Reformed confession shall be entered into where feasible and be maintained according to the rules adopted for this purpose by general synod. On minor points of ecclesiastical governance and practice, churches shall not be rejected.

Notes:

1. Ecclesiastical Fellowship (for churches of Reformed confession, per Article 50)
   • Intense Contact (Category A): Full acceptance of each other’s ministers and members; close consultations regarding changes in doctrine, worship, and governance; exercise mutual concern and discipline.
   • Less Intense Contact (Category B): Less contact for geographical, linguistic, or historical reasons.
2. Ecclesiastical Contact
   • For churches in NAPARC or ICRC with which we do not have ecclesiastical fellowship.
   • Pulpit fellowship possible with concurring advice of classis and deputies of regional synod.
   • Receiving members, including guests at the Lord’s Supper, with report to classis.

CANRC Rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship

Adopted by Synod Lincoln 1992 (Canadian Reformed Churches), as found in p. 33 of the Acts of Synod.

1. The churches shall assist each other in the maintenance, defense, and promotion of the
   Reformed faith in doctrine, church polity, discipline, and liturgy, and be watchful for deviations.
2. The churches shall inform each other of decisions taken by their broadest assemblies, if
   possible, by sending each other their Acts or Minutes, and otherwise, at least by sending decisions relevant to the respective churches (if possible, in translation).
3. The churches shall consult each other when entering into relations with third parties.
4. The churches shall accept one another’s attestations or certificates of good standing, which also means admitting members of the respective churches to the sacraments upon presentation of that attestation or certificate.
5. The churches shall, in principle, open their pulpits for each other’s ministers in agreement with the rules adopted in the respective churches.
   In exercising these relations, the churches shall strive to implement the following:
6. When major changes or additions are being considered to the confessions, church government, or liturgy, the churches shall be informed in order that as much consultation can take place as possible before a final decision is taken.
7. The churches shall receive each other’s delegates at their broadest assemblies and invite
   them to participate as much as local regulations permit.

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