As the RPCNA’s “highest court,” Synod is a deliberative body. That fact was clearly evident today, as nearly every report included lively discussion and debate.

To begin the day, however, retired pastor Don Piper delivered a devotional message based on Isaiah 40–“Comfort, comfort my people”–and other passages on bringing comfort to God’s suffering people. Rev. Piper shared many poignant reflections of times in his ministry when he had comforted people or failed to bring comfort. Being there is the key to helping the suffering, he said, ministering in the name of Christ by one’s quiet presence, by prayer, by reading Scripture, by unheralded acts of assistance.

The Presbytery Realignment Committee recommended to Synod that, effective upon the adjournment of this Synod, the congregations and missions in Colorado and Wyoming be transferred to the Pacific Coast Presbytery, and that the name of the Pacific Coast Presbytery then be changed to ...