No Merely Formal Ties (2)
This editorial by Russell Dykstra examines how the Protestant Reformed Church can maintain meaningful sister-church relationships that go beyond formal agreements to actively strengthen unity in doctrine and practice. Dykstra argues that true ecclesiastical ties require churches to engage together on both confessional and post-confessional Reformed doctrines through conferences and theological dialogue, ensuring relationships authentically serve the body of Christ rather than remaining merely nominal.
Previous article in this series: December 1, 2012, p. 101. Since the church of Jesus Christ is one, the Reformed church in this world is under obligation -- sacred duty -- to manifest the unity of the body of Christ insofar as this is possible. True unity leads to the formation of denominations or, where distance precludes federational unity, the establishment of ecclesiastical relationships such as a sister-church relationship. That manifest unity of the church must not be merely a unity...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org