As the night hours passed, Synod turned its attention to two overtures addressing the proposed Psalter Hymnal. As a result, Synod directed the Psalter Hymnal committee to pay attention to “unrest and concern” in connection to gender-neutral language, the use of the name ‘Jehovah’ and various word changes in traditional hymns.

Tuesday’s evening hours of Synod spent in advisory committee prepared numerous items for deliberation in a plenary session of Synod on Wednesday morning.

Theological Education

One of the main items of early attention was the theological education of men preparing for ministry within the URCNA. This item received lengthy deliberation as delegates wrestled with how best to assist the consistories in the oversight of prospective candidates studying for the ministry. As a result of the deliberations, an appendix was adopted for the URCNA Church Order identifying numerous guidelines related to theological education.

Forms for Worship

Another item of the morning’s business was the provisional acceptance of numerous forms for various elements of liturgy. Synod received these forms giving encouragement to the churches to use them, review them and respond with feedback to the Liturgical Forms and Confessions Committee.

Synodical Regulations

Following up on the report of an Ad Hoc Committee, Synod adopted the “Definitions and Authority of Synodical Actions” including detailed provisions for Synod to give to the churches statements of “Doctrinal Affirmation,” “Pastoral Advice,” a “Study Committee Report” or a “Synodical Judgment.” This document goes on to describe the nature of each one of these synodical actions. Concerning the relationship between the URCNA and the CanRC, the body also received for information numerous documents including a Proposed Joint Church Order and Proposed Synodical Regulations.

Fraternal Interaction

Throughout the day, fraternal addresses were received from delegates and observers of the Reformed Church in United States (RCUS), the Canadian Reformed Churches (CanRC), the ‘Eglise reformee du Quebec (ERQ), and the United Reformed Church in Congo (URCC). In addition, written greetings were received from the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).

One important matter of fraternal interaction that generated extensive deliberation was the recommendation from the Committee for Ecumenical Relations and Church Unity (CERCU) to enter into phase two of ecumenical relationship with the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America

(RPCNA). After a thorough discussion, the body of Synod determined to proceed to entering into ecclesiastical fellowship with the RPCNA.

Musical Matters

In another display of ecumenical actions, Synod overwhelmingly accepted the invitation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) to work together in their respective tasks of producing updated songbooks for their respective federation/denomination. Synod also encouraged the churches to consider the need of funds for the future publication of an URCNA Psalter Hymnal. As the night hours passed, Synod turned its attention to two overtures addressing the proposed Psalter Hymnal. As a result, Synod directed the Psalter Hymnal committee to pay attention to “unrest and concern” in connection to gender-neutral language, the use of the name ‘Jehovah’ and various word changes in traditional hymns.

Evening Matters

As the second full day of Synod drew to a close, the delegates wrapped up their work in Advisory committees with the goal of having all the materials ready for plenary session on Thursday, DV.

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