The Chairman invites synod to sing Psalm 81:1-4, reads the Scriptures at Malachi 2:1-10 and leads in prayer. All delegates are present.

Synod adjourns to allow advisory committees to meet.

Synod is re-opened in the evening session. The Chairman asks Synod to sing Psalm 118:1,4.

Articles 1-17 of the Acts are adopted.

The Chairman addresses Candidate Zuiddam, reading 1 Kings 3:1-16 and wishing him the "wisdom of Solomon".

In accordance with Article 24 CO, Dr Zuiddam is asked to sign the subscription form. After the Chairman reads out the contents of the form, Dr Zuiddam signs the form.

An ecclesiastical ordinance is signed for Dr Zuiddam.

Agenda Item 12.1 Report of the FRC of Mt Nasura as deputies for the Synod Archives and Library

Agenda Item 12.2 Report of the Inspection of the Synod Archives and Library

1. To accept the report from the FRC Mt Nasura responsible for the Synod Archives and Library;
2. To purchase another new cabinet to house future archives;
3. To receive gratefully the report of the inspection of the Synod Archives and Library;
4. To thank the Deputies for their work and discharge them.

1. The archives and library were well cared for.
2. A new cabinet is needed.

Committee 2 presents its proposal. A round of discussion ensues. Committee 2 takes back its proposal for further consideration.

The proposals from deputies and West Albany are placed in discussion.

1. Agenda Item 12.5 Report of Deputies for Training for the Ministry
2. Agenda Item 12.13 Audit Report of the Books of the Deputies
3. Agenda Item 9.9 Proposal of West Albany re Training for the Ministry.

1. Synod thanks the deputies for the work done.
2. Synod decides to assess the churches $40.00 per communicant member per years, for the maintenance of the Theological College in Hamilton as of 1 July 2000.
3. Synod decides to discharge deputies and to appoint new deputies with the mandate to:
1. collect funds for "Hamilton" and forward them to the College;
2. continue correspondence with both "Hamilton" and "Kampen" in order to maintain contact and obtain information;
3. ensure that relevant information is published concerning the training for the ministry, so that the churches understand the need to support the colleges and the training of the students;
4. continue to arrange the support of theological students whenever required in accordance with Art 18 CO, and as agreed in Art 50 of Acts of Synod 1992;
5. make arrangements for a guest lecturer from "Hamilton" once every four or five years.
6. to investigate the long-term possibility of setting up theological training in Australia, including the possibility of starting a theological library.

1. In the past (Art 125 of the 1990 Acts) Synods have mandated deputies "to alert the churches to the requirements and the possibilities for an Australian based theological training in the light of changing circumstances" and "to appoint deputies … to investigate the possibility of finding a facility to house some books." The 1992 Synod repeated this mandate (Art 50). However, the 1994 Synod did not renew this part of the mandate. It seems that support for Hamilton grew to the extent that this mandate was forgotten (cf Art 78 of the 1996 Acts and art 102 of the 1998 Acts). West Albany FRC however makes a strong plea to keep this matter alive. Article 17, CO obliges us "if possible, to maintain an institution for the training for the ministry."

Material:

Agenda item 12.6 deputy report for the Revision of the Nicene Creed.

To adopt the same translation of the Nicene Creed as adopted by our Canadian sister churches and found in the Book of Praise.

1. The translation is faithful to the original, and an improvement on the present wording of the creed.
2. It is desirable to retain the same translation of the creeds and confessions as the Canadian Reformed Churches, our only English speaking sister church, especially in light of the fact that we use their Book of Praise in which the Nicene Creed is found (cf. Acts 1994, art 124, Ground 1c).

Last modified: July 10, 2000