rca mission statement

Holding a Sunday offering at least once annually for those items most needed by their local or regional food banks, including necessary items not eligible for purchase with food stamps (i.e., menstruation sanitary products, toilet tissue, soap, etc.). Maximize Human Capital and Strategic Resources. On paper, at the General Synod level, the RCA is only supportive of traditional marriage, but in practice that is not always the case at every level of governance. It can also provide members a distinctive foundation for marriage in Gods Word MGS 1975, p. 169). General Synod2017voted to affirm that the Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 108 and 109 categorically states that God condemns all unchastity, which includes same-sex sexual activity, and that faithful adherence to the RCAs Standards, therefore, entails the affirmation that marriage is between one man and one woman., General Synod 2017 also voted to urge all RCA assemblies and other bodies and all RCA members to maintain our covenant bonds with each other, especially with regard to the conflict over human sexuality; and further, to urge classes to refrain from approving the requests of churches to transfer to another denomination prior to the conclusion of General Synod 2018, instead focusing on our God-given mission.. Because access takes place in the privacy of a home, people can avoid the social stigma that kept many of them from associating themselves with pornography in the past. Consistories have authority over ordination of elders and deacons. Rural Resources Community Action (Washington state) RRCA. The church must speak out and support those programs which provide emergency relief, help those in poverty to improve their lot, help children to have every opportunity for growth and healthy development, and recognize the value of all people as citizens in this society. In fact, it was precisely because resident aliens were not citizens of Israel, and were therefore vulnerable, that the Old Testament law made special provision for their protection and commanded that they be loved like family (Lev. There are 43 mission personnel and 49 partner personnel (who are employed by the To encourage regional synods, classes, and RCA congregations to write letters to national, provincial, state, and local officials in support of policies that restrict gambling and in opposition of the expansion of gambling. Women can participate fully in the life and ministry of RCA churches. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We believe that God in Christ has broken down the dividing walls of partition and that the differences which have divided us have become the diversities which enrich us. Almost all states and territories in the United States require National Registry certification before a state license to practice is issued. The General Synod also called upon churches and members of the denomination to do all within their power to extend employment opportunities to racial minority group members (MGS 1979, p. 93). With parental consent, this source for stem cells seems the least ethically ambiguous. Unfortunately, some of the violations have become acceptable within the current mores of some of our communities and churches. To encourage classes to work with local councils of churches and to initiate their involvement in programs, such as the Friendship Bible Series, which include and empower developmentally limited people. The church should make a genuine effort to understand LGBTQ people. In 1981, the General Synod adopted the following recommendation from the Commission on Christian Unity: To call on all Reformed Church members to write to the President of the United States or the Prime Minister of Canada, urging them to give fresh affirmation to our countries opposition to apartheid, and to establish that the abolition of apartheid is the key to normal relationships for both the United States of America and Canada with the Republic of South Africa. In1973, the General Synod adopted a statement which read: We believe the Bible teaches the sanctity of human life. Between the drafting of the overture and General Synod 2021, BOBS added additional environmental, social, and governance (ESG) funds; thus, the General Synod adopted a recommendation that BOBS and the Investment Advisory Committee continue working toward offering additional socially screened funds, especially fossil fuel free funds. (MGS 2021: 117-119), Also in 2021, at the recommendation of the Commission on Christian Action, the General Synod directed the General Synod Council and its investment committee to require greater transparency about where all RCA funds are invested and to continue pursuing RCA investment in ESG portfolios. Homosexual acts are contrary to the will of God for human sexuality., While avoiding simplistic and obnoxious social crusades, the church must affirm through its preaching and pastoral ministry that homosexuality is not an acceptable alternative lifestyle. The report of the presidential commission controversially concluded that there was no measurable correlation between the use of pornography and anti-social behavior. (MGS 1979: 68). This does not excuse the perpetrator of responsibility for the crime, but it does show that in most cases capital punishment as a deterrent wont work. RCA Mission Statement. To direct the general secretary to write a letter to the president of the United States condemning the separation of immigrant children from their families and strongly supporting immigration reform and DACA; and further, To urge congregations to encourage their local politicians to enact legislation that supports immigration reform and DACA. (MGS 1994: 70-71, 74-75). Nor shall any church member be penalized for conscientious objection to, or support of, the ordination of women to church offices. Our goal is to provide opportunities for churches to partner with global churches in ways that are collaborative and mutually meaningful, helping us all live and love like Jesus. Increasing the awareness that God is calling youth and young adults to become leaders. The 1999 General Synod adopted recommendations from the African-American Council to recruit, train, and mentor racial/ethnic seminary students in order to provide pastors for the growing number of racial/ethnic churches within the denomination. The adopted recommendation urged RCA congregations, classes, and regional synods to: Additionally, The Opioid Crisis Practical Toolkit: Helping Faith-Based and Community Leaders Bring Hope and Healing, a resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was electronically distributed to RCA classes and congregations for their study and use as a guide for logical and practical ways to serve those suffering from addiction in their communities. (MGS 2022: 172-173). Pornography distorts the humanness of women and perverts the nature of the male-female relation, the very image of God (Genesis 1:27). The RCAs Commission on Christian Action strongly opposed any production of embryos solely for stem cell research. Developing programs in conjunction with local school districts to provide food or grocery essentials to lower-income students and families on weekends and during holiday breaks and summers. To direct the General Synod Council and the Commission on Race and Ethnicity to study and critique the effects of white privilege in the processes and operations used and decisions made by General Synod and General Synod Council. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. As proposed by the Task Force on Racial Justice, the 1989 General Synod adopted four principles to guide the RCA in its response to concerns of racial justice and inclusiveness, including: 1) celebrate the presence of people of color in the RCA. Further, it is often the poor who gamble the little they have in hopes of hitting it bigcasino gambling has a documented detrimental effect on our social, economic, and political system, and it contradicts basic aspects of our faith. (MGS 2021: 206). You can view this form in: PDF t4a-rca-22b.pdf. Our mission is to save lives from the disease of addiction, and we want to make a difference in your life, today. The original recommendation from the Commission on Christian Action was amended multiple times. By responding positively to tobacco firms insistence that foreign restrictions in tobacco promotion and use be treated as a trade barrier, the United States government ignores the rights of those nations to deal with what is clearly a public health concerna concern which the United States itself seeks to address in its domestic health policy. to identify, design, and/or develop resources for use in congregations and other RCA settings to assist the RCA in the development of strategies to preserve unity, purity, and peace (MGS 2013: 115). In 2014, the General Synod voted to direct the appropriate Transformed & Transforming initiative(s) to: In 2022, the General Synod adopted the following recommendation from the Commission on Christian Action: To instruct the general secretary to create a contribution-based fund for use by the Office of Disability Concerns for the purpose of providing grants to congregations for accessibility improvements; and further. In 2008, 2009, and 2010, General Synod approved special assessments for disability ministry, ranging from $0.23 to $0.60 per confessing RCA member. What is a vision statement? When people are called into the church and receive Gods grace, they enter a community of care, and their responsibilities to God and neighbor unfold. The2016General Synod declared that the RCA does not support the use of reorientation/reparative therapy. The1989General Synod offered further clarification on the issue of cohabitating couples seeking a church wedding: In biblical perspective the essential thing is not the ceremony, but the covenant between the man and woman to live together in holy wedlock, i.e., with and before God as Scripture understands and describes that relationship. Our expansive Alumni Association provides opportunities to stay connected with your network, give back, and have fun in recovery. General Synod voted: To instruct the General Synod Council (GSC) to develop tools for discerning race-based disparities in the distribution of financial resources, embedding principles of the Belhar Confession of unity, reconciliation, and justice into the factors of these tools; and further. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. "The General Synod has repeatedly made statements that are more traditional in orientation about sexuality, but those are just statements. The restructuring team, to be composed of 10-15 individuals representative of the denomination, will consider reorganizing the RCAs regional church groups by affinity rather than geography, allowing each group, called a classis, to associate according to its views. Disposal and freezing of surplus embryos: Declining to view embryos, even those that are to be discarded, as a source for stem cells may inhibit the development of an outlook that views human beings as things and spare parts. The RCA synod has discussed questions about the LGBTQ+ community and the church extensively since the 1970s. Positively, these conflicts provide us with the opportunity to rediscover the meaning and purpose of human life revealed by the Word made flesh. The delegates concluded Saturdays plenary with a standing ovation for the Vision 2020 team. The Holy Spirit guides the church in its reading of Scripture so that it might faithfully bear witness to the renewal of all things in Christ. It is our Christian conviction that abortion performed for personal reasons to insure individual convenience ought not to be permitted. The purpose of the committee is not to revisit our stated position, but shall operate with the understanding expressed earlier in this recommendation and issue a report with practical recommendations to the General Synod of 2013 (MGS 2012: 149-150). Transformed and Transforming: the RCA's Vision for Ministry | Reformed Home / About the RCA / Transformed and Transforming: the RCA's Vision for Ministry. 3, in such a way as to limit the office of minister of the Word to men only. In2019, General Synodpassed a recommendationthat urged the RCA to take steps to reduce fossil fuel consumption and work to transition to renewable energy. Read General Synods response and resolutions, including subsequent actions in 2015 and 2016. Remembering how we came to be adopted into Gods family, we can never turn our own backs on the strangers among us. The African American Residential Caucus (AARC) organization functions under the Residential Community Association (RCA), and its primary goal is to be the voice for African American residential students at Wright State University. Therefore, we believe, in principle, that abortion ought not to be practiced at all. PDF fillable/saveable t4a-rca-fill-22e.pdf. Scripture leads us to see all of human life in Christ. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The development of non-detectable handguns reduces the effectiveness of safety procedures on airlines and of overall detection of potential problems. 166-168), by encouraging voluntary abstinence from smoking (MGS 1964, p. 219), and by urging a well-directed effort to acquaint youth with the facts and dangers of smoking(MGS 1964, p. 220). Christians cannot claim such autonomy; Christians acknowledge that they belong to GodChristians yield their personal autonomy and accept a special obligation, as the first answer of the Heidelberg Catechism invites people to confess: I am not my own, but belongbody and soul, in life and in deathto my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 1) A decision to take ones own life thus appears to be a denial that one belongs to God. The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us that with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief (Ecclesiastes 1:18, NIV). General Synod called on RCA members to make known their objections (to their families and friends and to those who more directly control the media) when television portrays an image of human sexuality abhorrent to the biblical images of persons. (MGS 2022: 251). 4:16; Gal. To urge pastors, consistories, and congregations to study [the 2004 report to General Synod on Christian Zionism] and the paper Christian Zionism: A Historical Analysis and Critique in order to develop a more Reformed response to Christian Zionism. Learn more. Studies show that there has been a huge increase in the number of people who access pornography and that a much wider cross-section of people, including women and children and many pastors, now obtain pornography. The recommended books were Portrait of InequalityBlack and White Children in America by Marian Wright Edelman and Race: No Peace Without Justice by Barbara Rogers. Third, the report recommends allowing a . For South Africa is not alone in its journey with conflict, injustice, racism, poverty, and the subjugation of the downtrodden. Education about the root causes of hunger By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The paper noted that marriage and family are places, among many others, where people can experience Gods transformation and should seek to honor God. A good business mission statement defines your organization in a nutshell. . Inaction is no less a response than action. When you need help, were available. The2002General Synod concluded that the questions surrounding stem cell technology are complex and clouded. 2023 Recovery Centers of America|All Rights Reserved. There are at least three of these convictions that appear especially relevant to the question of whether it is acceptable for Christians to seek a physicians assistance in committing suicide in the midst of extreme suffering. The General Synod Council staff was instructed to use this information to create and maintain a database of hunger and food programs supported by RCA congregations. More hidden has been the harm done to the elderly and poor. We believe that God will accomplish His purpose of gathering together in the new world people of every tongue and tribe and nation and that the glory of human diversity will enrich the new Heaven and the new earth. In 2022, General Synod adopted a recommendation from the Commission on Race and Ethnicity to urge RCA entities to adopt the proposed antiracism policy. Efforts by the United States trade representative to open foreign markets to United States tobacco sales are another matter. When faced with complex and difficult questions, we would do well to step back from the brink, and once again listen with keen determination to the still, small voice of our Lord, for he alone will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young (Isaiah 40:11). We should be able to talk humbly with one another about our failings and explore ways of making race relations better, precisely because we have no illusions. From a Reformed perspective, Christian Zionism and dispensationalism are not only faulty readings of Scripture, they have proven to be great hindrances to a just peace and stability in the Middle East. This process will be guided by the basic biblical-theological framework presented in the previous statements of the General Synod (MGS 1994: 375-376). Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. In some situations pastoral help in repentance is appropriate. ' When that paper was presented to General Synod 2006, synod voted to refer it the Commission on Theology for review and revision in light of the wisdom of Reformed theology (MGS 2006, pp. Learn more about the RCA Find an RCA church. New factors are making the issue even more urgent. The commission produced and distributed various materials concerning Christianity and Race seeking to inform and engage the mind of the Church on race relations (MGS 1966, p. 96). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. AFMS Goals 1. The 2004 General Synod voted to adopt the following recommendations: In1982the Christian Action Commission sent a major report to General Synod entitled Care for the Earth: Theology and Practice. The paper asserted that the Churchs care for the earth and its concern over environmental peril needs to be global. In response, General Synod passed several resolutions urging the vigilant protection of the earths resources. To urge the Division of Christian Discipleship to prepare and/or identify resources, inclusive of models, for ministry to persons, groups, and communities, who are experiencing crises. Mission Statement The mission of RCA is to cultivate a spirit of inquiry into the truth, goodness, and beauty of God and His creation, so that we engage the world with wisdom and eloquence for Christ. Are there portions of our polity that simply do not work well in todays multiracial contexts and even contribute race-based disparities within the RCAs part of the body of Christ? (MGS 1990: 77), The General Synod has voiced the churchs concern about the use of tobacco products by expressing its opposition to cigarette advertising on television (MGS 1953, pp. (MGS 1989: 253), In1991, the Commission on Theology presented a paper entitled The Role and Authority of Women in Ministry to the General Synod. The General Synod also directed the General Synod Council to prepare an accompanying study guide for the paper and to find ways to communicate with RCA congregations about their growing ability to more fully welcome people with disabilities. The 1989 General Synod proceeded to adopt approximately 20 recommendations that, among other action items, required reports of specific actions taken to eliminate racism, encouraged consultation with the racial/ethnic councils, called for the seeking out and hiring people of color, urged for the inclusion of people of color in denominational publications, and created cross-cultural programs in RCA seminaries, camps, and affiliates. Promote excellence in the industry. The overtures were denied, but the issue continued to surface every few years. Life without parole screams out to us that a life so precious to the Lord Jesus Christ is considered so unworthy by humankind. The synod also instructed appropriate officers of the church study the manner in which the current investments of the church might be contributing to apartheid and report back to the General Synod of 1979 (200). The church should acknowledge its sins against the LGBTQ community. 12. As Paul declares, those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:24). The1986General Synod adopted a position regarding couples who are cohabitating: Persons who have been living together while unmarried have violated our perceptions of the rules of chastity which are required by the Church of Jesus Christ. | RCA Records is American record label . RCA Vision and Mission Statement Our Vision. The law of love does not negate justice, but it does nullify the motives of vengeance and retribution by forcing us to think in terms of redemption, rehabilitation, and reclamation. This requires a rigorous assessment of the consequence of sinunderstanding that the world stands under the judgment of Godand a glad acceptance of the call to holiness in Christ. (MGS 2005: 344). In 1977, the General Synod adopted a statement of purpose for the RCAs racial/ethnic councils, which concludes: We must confess the need of the church and the world for the prophetic word which minority councils are called upon by God to utter in his behalf. The convention also adopted regulations for churches that have chosen to leave the RCA to retain their assets and buildings. Does this mean that the RCA is going to reorganize every time there is a new divisive issue?, Others saw the recommendation as the best way to resolve the RCAs decades-long gridlock over LGBTQ issues. Fair Trade Coffee, Gambling Particularly difficult is our response to the couple which comes seeking a church wedding after a significantly long period of known cohabitation without ecclesiastical blessing or legal sanction. 5:17-18; Matt. The 1966 General Synod voted to continue the Commission on Race for another two years and to grow the commission through the election of an additional three people. As people in the Reformed Church in American learn about their own participation in institutional racism, they will want to participate in it no longer. And God's faithfulness continues. The RCA is a historically Dutch Reformed denomination dating back to the 1620s, when New York was known as New Amsterdam. Promote industry standards. (MGS 1972: 203-206;read the full report(PDF)). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The constituency of the RCA needs again to become aware of and speak out on this problem of our society. There are a variety of views within the Christian community. As God opposes all partnerships which misunderstand or abuse the servant authority made manifest by Jesus Christ, so must women and men who share in Christs ministry. To call on Reformed Church members to support the adoption and implementation of measures designed to preserve agricultural land. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. In 2021, the Regional Synod of Albany requested via overture that the Board of Benefits Services (BOBS) and the Investment Advisory Committee add additional socially responsible funds as options in the RCAs retirement and 403(b) plans. They concluded: What Christians say about issues of morality ought to be and usually is a reflection of their fundamental faith convictions. In response, the RCA filed a number of shareholder resolutions, requesting termination of operations with and sales to the South African government, military, and police unless and until the government commits itself to ending apartheid and takes meaningful steps toward the achievement of full political, legal and social rights for the majority population (MGS 1979, pp. (MGS 1997: 87). In2012, General Synod voted to remove the conscience clausesstatements that spell out how people can and cannot conscientiously object to the ordination process of womenfrom theBook of Church Order. Jesus ate with the oppressed, liberated the oppressed, and actually was oppressed himself, for in Scripture we encounter Jesus as the one who was criminalized and executed. RCA purposes to enrich the whole person: mind, body, and soul.

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