Committee of Ecumenical Relations

As a denomination we maintain rich and fruitful relationships with a number of denominations across the world. Our synodical committee for ecumenical relationships manages these relationships. This committee is mandated to do the following:

1. Facilitate the ecumenical relationships of the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia (CRCA) through contact with other churches of Reformed/Presbyterian persuasion with a view to establishing mutually beneficial ecumenical fellowship.
2. Participate in ecumenical organisations in which the CRCA has membership, in accordance with the Church Order and synodical decisions.
3. Develop and maintain ecumenical relationships with other Reformed/Presbyterian Churches on the basis of:
4. a. Reformed confessions, polity and liturgy, both in terms of their formal standards and their actual practice;
   b. an agreed upon bilateral relationship and, as a complement to the foregoing;
   c. shared membership in the International Conference of Reformed Churches or any other ecumenical agency in which the CRCA has membership.
5. Undertake ecumenical relationships with the following goals:
   a. Mutual understanding of our shared calling as Reformed Churches, seeking always to maintain confessional integrity;
   b. Mutual cooperation in mission and diaconal work;
   c. Mutual encouragement in proclamation of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ;
   d. Mutual pursuit of the unity of the Church of Jesus Christ (Church Order Art 52) at local, regional, national and international levels.
6. Facilitate ecumenical relationships in accordance with synodical decisions re Churches in Ecclesiastical Fellowship (CEF).
7. Keep the churches informed as to developments in those denominations which are accepted as Churches in Ecclesiastical Fellowship through study of and contact with other Reformed denominations, as discretion and opportunity allow.
8. Advise the Synod as to:
   a. the progress or otherwise of the established relationships, ascertaining whether such relationships are warranted and fruitful;
   b. which Churches should be received as Churches in Ecclesiastical Fellowship, and on what grounds;
   c. which CEF level should apply to each church;
   d. Reformed ecumenical organisations in which the CRCA should seek membership or affiliation.

Our synodical committee currently has a membership of three, located throughout Australia. The CER meets several times a year, usually by Zoom. Ongoing matters are dealt with via emails and phone