Synod was blessed this morning by the preaching of Pastor Iain Wright (Orthodox Presbyterian fraternal delegate) on the theme of Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment! from James 2:13. This was the third installment in four sermons scheduled on the biblical theme of mercy for Synod’s devotional services.
Delegates turned their attention to the hearing of a matter arising from the Sharon, Iowa, RPC that was addressed in Communications 24-09 and 24-10. Essentially both of these communications were complaints about actions of the Midwest Presbytery in relation to an exception expressed by an elder-elect. The complaints from the two papers were combined into three assertions of error. Both complainants were given time to describe their complaint, then a representative of the Midwest Presbytery sought to explain and justify the presbytery’s actions. After these speeches, members of Synod were given the opportunity to ask questions, and then the assertions of error were voted on individually. All three complaints against the presbytery were not sustained.
Following this decision a representative of the Sharon congregation reported that the elder-elect in question has fully embraced the position to which he had taken exception. This was a cause of great rejoicing.
After concluding this judicial case, Geneva Board of Corporators reported to the Synod, rejoicing that Geneva’s current freshman enrollment for this fall is 100 students higher than at a similar point in previous years. College president Calvin Troup emphasized why the college is self-consciously a Reformed Presbyterian college. He said boldly embracing this identity brings a number of challenges, but also leads to untold blessing. The college has been our host this week, and RPCNA delegates are extremely grateful.
Next up, Aaron Goerner presented the report of the board of Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS). President Barry York made the following four points: 1) From earth to heaven: the death of Tabitha Stivason, wife of New Testament Professor Jeff Stivason, has impacted the entire seminary community. Praise the Lord for sweet fellowship many staff, students, and friends enjoyed with Tabitha before she entered into heaven. 2) From top to bottom: President York reported that Rutherford Hall is going through major changes and upgrades over the course of this summer. A new slate roof is currently being installed. This is well worth the investment, according to President York, as they prepare for another century of training Reformed Presbyterian pastors. 3) From east to west: Last year the Seminary embarked upon a Central Asian language program, developing materials and live online classes for those in a distant land. Currently, the seminary is building its online offerings that students will be able to access around the world. Pray for the Lord to provide significant funding needed to fully pay for this aggressive program. Finally, 4) From upside down to right side up: There have been numerous personnel changes at the seminary over the past year. The seminary needs prayers as the administration strives for stability and continuity over the next couple of years.
One interesting question has come before Synod repeatedly over the past six years: the subject of recusals when Synod is hearing and ruling in a judicial case. On one hand, each member of the court is representing his own congregation, and is legitimately a member of the Synod. On the other hand, an aggrieved appellant or complainant, seeking relief from a lower court’s ruling, would not be pleased to potentially see those who have aggrieved them in that lower court now sitting in the higher court as judges.
Until now the RP Book of Discipline 4.4 has stated, “Members of the lower court who may also be members of the higher, except those acting as counsel, shall have a voice in the judgment of the case unless the complaint has been substantiated as one of injustice and wrong on the part of the lower court.”
Today, this section was changed by Synod’s approval to read: “No one who is a party or has served as counsel to the complainant(s), or who is a member of the lower court whose action is under review, shall propose or second motions or vote in any decisions pertaining to the case. The complainant and defendant(s) may challenge the right of any member of the higher court to sit in judgment of the complaint, subject to the judgment of the court.” This substantial change – mirrored by a nearly identical change in RP Book of Discipline 4.12 about appeals, has been ruled a substantial change by Synod, and will therefore be sent down in overture to each local session for review and voting whether to support Synod’s decision. The results of the overture will be reported at next year’s Synod meeting.
A final matter was completed today with a progress report from the Study Committee on Women Deacons. Chairman Nathan Eshelman gave an update and received feedback from members of Synod. The committee was continued until Synod 2025. Later in the day, a motion from Pastor Hunter Jackson honored the deacons across our denomination, stating that “the Synod recognizes and gives thanks for the deacons in service across the breadth of the RPCNA.” This motion was passed with gratefulness and applause.
The Synod is scheduled to adjourn at noon tomorrow (Friday), but currently has a couple of discipline cases and several other reports to address.