The week’s morning devotional services were on “Rejoicing in Christ’s Resurrection” from 1 Corinthians 15. Pastor Pete Smith of Covenant Fellowship (Wilkinsburg, Pa.) RPC was elected moderator of this Synod, the 191st RPCNA Synod.

A total of 10 communications arising from the presbyteries came to Synod this year. After discus-sion, 6 of those communications were returned to their authors without Synod hearing from the parties involved. One communication arose from the Midwest Presbytery proposing changes to the RP Testimony with greater specificity on the matter of abortion. A robust conversation on the floor of Synod provided additional guidance for a study committee that Synod elected to take up this matter.

Synod heard the report of a study committee it created last year to respond to a communication from Presbytery of the Alleghenies and Theresa Bloom regarding the possible future submission of a policy paper on abuse and/or proposed constitutional changes. After much discussion, a motion was passed that this report be recommitted to the committee to continue its work, getting feed-back from the sessions and the presbyteries.

The Education & Publication Board reported that three titles have been published in the new imprint of Crown & Covenant Publications called Grassmarket Press. Overall, Crown & Covenant published 10 new books in the past 12 months, a record number. The board and staff gave thanks for the publishing legacy of Rev. Gordon Keddie, who published about 20 books over his lifetime.

Six church planting works are currently receiving Home Missions aid. In addition, funds have been provided for two younger pastors serving as residents in training with experienced pastors.

The Home Missions Board requested that Synod approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the RPCNA and the new Reformed Presbyterian Church of Canada. Under this renewable five-year agreement, the congregations in the new Canadian denomination will contribute annually to the Time to Plant fund, and church plants in Canada will be eligible for aid from that fund. The RPCC would also have a seat on the Home Missions Board.

With the Lucas Hanna family planning on returning from South Sudan in mid-2024, the Global Missions Board (RPGM) has made out two calls, one to the Jonathan Blackston family from the Frankston RPC in Australia, and one to Megan Hanson from Southside RPC in Indianapolis. The improved translation of the Book of Psalms nears completion as composition of new, locally developed tunes also continues. These psalms are being sung exclusively in a growing number of congregations. Cush Christian School enjoyed record enrollment.

The RPGM Board decided to align short-term missions under the RP Global name. Instead of referring to RP Missions (the term used to refer to short-term mission trip opportunities), they will be referred to as RP Global short-term missions.

Representatives from the RPGM Board met with the CASA (Central and South America) Commit-tee to discuss how they might move forward together. They agreed that a Latin American commission should be established to oversee any church-planting opportunities in Latin America. This commission, approved by Synod, will serve as a temporary governing body to oversee the organization of congregations and ordination of officers.

Members of the CASA Committee traveled to Paraguay this year to meet with a group of Christians who have petitioned to become an RPCNA mission work. They also traveled to Chile to en-courage the congregation in Santiago, which was approved by the Presbytery of the Alleghenies for organization as an RPCNA congregation. The committee visited other brethren for a possible second mission plant in Chile. A Spanish Psalter based on The Book of Psalms for Worship tunes and the Hebrew Scriptures is underway.

The Geneva College Board of Corporators reported that freshmen and transfer enrollment at Geneva for fall 2022 improved 7% over the prior year. President Calvin Troup addressed Synod and identified a number of professors who have been the backbone of Geneva’s excellence who are retiring or have begun a phased retirement. The college also expressed thanks for gifted professors whom God has brought recently to Geneva.

Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary president Barry York said that this year the 213-year-old seminary will be celebrating a century in its current building in Pittsburgh, Pa. Major renovations are underway in connection with a “100 Years at Rutherford Hall” campaign, particularly of the ground floor kitchen and dining area. Six RP students and 8 other students received diplomas in May, with a total enrollment of 115 for the year.

Synod’s Board of Trustees is grateful to God that once again the giving goal for the Reformed Presbyterian Missions & Ministries fund (RPM&M) was exceeded in 2022 by contributions from congregations and others. Building loans were granted to two RP congregations in the past year.

The Trustees addressed a recurring Synod issue of denominational salaries. After several policy recommendations were proposed, Synod decided full transparency for all salaried employees in denominational agencies should be regularly included in Synod’s handout materials.

Reformed Presbyterian student of theology Shane Helton recently joined the RP Home staff as Director of Spiritual Support & Church Outreach. The Home celebrated its 125th anniversary at the Founders Day celebration June 18. The Home served 12 RPs in 2022.

A judicial committee of Synod responded to a complaint by Orlando RPC objecting to a decision of the RP Woman’s Association to sue one of its members for an outstanding bill. The judicial committee expressed gratitude to all the parties involved for resolving much of the matter prior to Synod, including dropping the lawsuit and resolving the debt. Synod agreed with its judicial committee that the suit should not have been brought in the first place, and welcomed the RPWA’s pledge to evaluate and revise its policies.

The RP Global Alliance is recom­mend­ing RP member denominations appoint the Lord’s Day of Oct. 1 as an RP Global Day of Prayer for the Covenant Youth in the Global RP Church, and Saturday, Oct. 7, as a day for regional online prayer meetings.

The Stated Clerk of the RPCNA reported a modest 1 percent increase in the denomination’s membership in 2022, continuing a pattern that has spanned many years. Worship attendance also increased.

The report of a Synod commission to shepherd three former elders of Immanuel RPC was considered. After a great deal of debate, Synod voted 88-32 to depose those three ruling elders from their office. Another commission, the Olivetti Commission, had been created to pursue reconciliation with the former pastor of Immanuel RPC. Prior to this meeting, he had been deposed from office. Also after much debate, Synod enacted the commission’s recommendation and imposed the censure of excommunication upon Mr. Olivetti. The motion passed 99-24.

Synod approved the rosters for one new commission (Latin America) and four new study commit-tees (female deacons, exclusive psalmody practices, abortion, and court recordings). Synod heard about the planning for the 2024 RP International Conference scheduled back at Indiana Wesleyan University from June 25 (Tuesday) to July 1 (Monday). Presenter Sam Spear encouraged delegates to consider the importance at this season of our denomination being together in fellowship and learning.

In conjunction with the Business of Synod Committee report, dates were discussed for next year’s Synod. A resolution to extend the dates to a Saturday–Friday schedule was vigorously discussed, but ultimately defeated. Dates for Synod 2024 are set for June 11-14 at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa.