A new chapter in the history of the Dutch Reformed Church began this week with the launch of a new synod by DRC congregations who oppose the liberal stance of the General Synod but do not want to leave the denomination.
Dr Henrietta Klaasing, a member of the executive committee of the Kairos Network (KN), which arranged the gathering at Ingwe Guest Lodge in Vanderbijlpark on Wednesday and Thursday, said the new Koinonia Synod (KN) “is just the vehicle to help us on the way forward”.
A deeply moving worship service was held on Wednesday evening, led by emeritus prof dr Johan Janse van Rensburg, formely from the theological faculty of the Free state, she said. The motto of KN is unity in truth and throughout the two days, one was aware of a genuine spirit of being one in Christ and true fellowship, said Klaasing.
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Everything that the new synod stands for was formalised in reports and about 80 resolutions were ratified by legally-delegated members with credentials representing 50 congregations from all corners of South Africa. These delegates, together with a number of observers, all-in-all numbered more than 200 people.
Klaasing said that Dr Anton Knoetze, who is chairman of KN, was elected chairman of the new synod.
She said: “According to the preamble of the South African Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms, people have the inherent dignity, ability and need to believe and may organise themselves according to their beliefs in accordance with their basic faith texts, doctrines or traditions. Furthermore, article 9 states that every religious institution has the institutional right to (a) establish their own confessions, doctrines and church orders, (b) decide on all doctrinal and church order matters themselves and, (c) in accordance with the principles of tolerance and fairness, to regulate their own internal affairs, including organisational structures and procedures, the confirmation, conditions of service, disciplining and dismissal of office bearers and members, the appointment, conditions of service and dismissal of employees and voluntary workers, and membership requirements. Based on this right, but especially with the conviction that the Lord has called them to it, Kairos Netwerk has developed a vision for this new distinctive categorical synod. This step can be justified before God in the light of His Word.”
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After adopting a statement of faith, a final declaration was approved which will be released as a pastoral letter to congregations, she said.
Last week Dr Klaasing told Gateway News that “the Koinonia Synod does not just want to repeat the agendas and activities of the existing synods, but rather wants to do what the existing synods have neglected to do, such as being a true bearer and protector of the Truth. Koinonia Synod wants to stick to solid teaching for future generations, training of church councils, congregation leaders, Bible study leaders, cell group leaders and so on – based on Scripture with knowledge and skill in the reformed confessions”.
For the statement of faith, visit www.fggsa.co.za or www.kairosnetwerk.net
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