Reporting to the consistory
This article by Rev. Joshua Engelsma provides a detailed exposition of Article 74 of the Reformed Church Order concerning the reporting of sins to the consistory. Through historical development from the Synod of Emden (1571) onward, Engelsma clarifies when private and public sins must be brought before church leadership and emphasizes the importance of admonishing in love before formal ecclesiastical action. The work grounds Reformed church discipline practice in both biblical principle (Matthew 18:17) and the historical development of Dutch Reformed polity.
From A Brief Explanation of the Church Order by Johannes Jansen Article 74: "If anyone, having been admonished in love concerning a secret sin by two or three persons, does not give heed, or otherwise has committed a public sin, the matter shall be reported to the consistory." This article was already incorporated in the church order by the Synod of Emden (1571)1 and has been maintained until now. It deals with reporting a sin to the consistory. We point out: - In what cases should sin be...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org