Documents of Synod: Study Papers and Actions of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod--1965 to 1982

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON DEFINITION FOR RECEPTION TO CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

The report was presented by the Rev. Mr. George Miladin.

This committee takes its rise from the 154th General Synod when certain questions were raised concerning specific terms relative to membership in "the particular church." What does it mean to receive communicant members by reaffirmation of faith or by letter of transfer from a church not deemed heretical. . .? Does heretical mean the same as apostate or is it to be taken more broadly so as to include major but not damnable doctrinal deviations? (e.g., Arminian-Dispensationalism)

Unable to present a complete report to the 155th General Synod, the committee was extended and given an additional question to consider -- "What form(s) should be employed for a public profession of faith?"

Since there is nothing more basic to church membership than this profession, the committee deemed it necessary to include in its definition of terms a consideration of a "credible profession of faith," which in fact is taken as our starting point.

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[Documents of Synod, pp. 117 - 127]

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