Jonah Patel
The Religious Communication Association (RCA) was established in 1974 as an educational, nonsectarian agency for the study of religious communication by teachers, practitioners, and scholars. The RCA has a constitution that outlines the organization's purpose, membership, officers, and bylaws. The RCA's constitution also addresses issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and accessibility for people with disabilities. The RCA's constitution is a federalist document that allows for local discretion, in contrast to the CRC, which does not have a formal constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Religious Communication Association (RCA) |
| Purpose | To provide a common organisation for the study of religious communication by teachers, practitioners, and scholars |
| Membership | Open to persons and institutions interested in the organisation's purpose |
| Officers | President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Executive Secretary, Editor of the Newsletter, and three Councillors |
| Executive Council | The principle policymaking body of the organisation with the power to make arrangements for annual conventions and business meetings, establish relationships with other organisations, appoint ad hoc committees, recommend divisions within the Association, approve expenses, etc. |
| Enabling Clause | The constitution took effect immediately upon its adoption |
| Dissolution | The organisation may be dissolved by a two-thirds vote of the membership, with written notice sent to all members at least 30 days prior to the meeting |
| Amendments | Bylaws not inconsistent with the Constitution may be adopted by a majority vote of members present at a business meeting, with 30 days' advance written notice |
| Federalism | The RCA's constitution allows for a kind of federalism that gives the organisation room for local discretion |
| Doctrinal Standards | The Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort, and the Belhar Confession |
| Liturgy | Worship the Lord |
| Marriage Liturgy | The RCA attempted to make the Marriage Liturgy outlaw same-sex marriage |
| Anti-Racism | The RCA adopted a recommendation that all resources and training materials be anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-ableist, egalitarian, and inclusive |
| Abortion | The RCA believes that abortion ought not to be practiced at all, but there could be exceptions in complex situations |
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What You'll Learn
The Religious Communication Association (RCA)
The BCO contains disciplinary and judicial procedures, the bylaws and special rules of the General Synod, and four sections that make up the RCA's Constitution: the Government of the Reformed Church in America, the Disciplinary and Judicial Procedures, the Preamble to the Book of Church Order, and the Formularies. The Bylaws and Special Rules of Order are not part of the RCA's Constitution. The BCO gives authority to the assemblies to decide issues related to the general superintendence of the church, and it generally vests the most authority in the lower assemblies, the classis and the consistory.
The RCA has a long history, dating back to 1628 when about fifty people gathered to celebrate the Lord's Supper in a small colonial town. Over the years, the RCA has been committed to Christian unity and has expressed this by belonging to several "families" of churches. In 1996, the General Synod unanimously adopted an Ecumenical Mandate. The RCA also works to nurture the ongoing faith formation of its members, including young people, through its three colleges and various camps, conferences, retreats, and workshops.
The RCA has addressed various social issues through its statements and actions. For example, the 1977 General Synod requested that its committees take steps to change their constitutions to allow representation from the RCA's minority councils. In 2004, the General Synod adopted a resolution encouraging the use of fair trade and organic coffee. The RCA has also taken a stance on abortion, stating that it "ought not to be practiced at all" but acknowledging that there may be exceptions in complex situations. In 2016, the General Synod adopted a constitutional amendment on marriage, defining it as "a joyful covenanting between a man and a woman."
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RCA's constitutional ways of thinking
The Religious Communication Association (RCA) was established in 1974 as an educational, nonsectarian agency for the study of religious communication by teachers, practitioners, and scholars. The RCA has a constitution that outlines its purpose, membership, officers, and guidelines for meetings and elections, reflecting its constitutional ways of thinking.
The RCA's constitution is rooted in federalism, providing more room for local discretion. It consists of the Doctrinal Standards, the Government, and the Liturgy, with the basic structure remaining unchanged since its ratification in 1792. The RCA's constitution became necessary following its independence from the Netherlands church due to the American Revolution. The Doctrinal Standards, including the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism, provide guidance for teaching and worship without functioning as laws or rules.
The RCA's constitutional ways of thinking are evident in its power structure. Unlike the CRC, which vests power in its synod and local councils, the RCA's power is derived from its constitution and the classes. The authority of synods is limited, and no synod can force an interpretation of the Standards on classes or churches. The RCA's constitution also allows for representation from minority councils, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The RCA's constitution is amended through a process requiring approval by a two-thirds majority. For example, the 2016 General Synod adopted a constitutional amendment on marriage, describing it as "a joyful covenanting between a man and a woman." This amendment, along with a change to the Book of Church Order, did not receive the required two-thirds approval from the classes. This example illustrates the RCA's commitment to its constitutional framework, even when amendments do not achieve the required level of support.
In summary, the RCA's constitutional ways of thinking are reflected in its federalist structure, commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and adherence to a well-defined process for amending its constitution. The RCA's constitution serves as a binding framework that guides the organization's power structure, teachings, and worship while allowing for local discretion and representation.
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RCA's federalism and local discretion
The Religious Communication Association (RCA) was established in 1974 and has an official constitution. The RCA's constitution allows for a kind of federalism and gives the RCA more room for local discretion, which is in contrast to the CRC, which does not have a constitution. The RCA's constitution consists of the Doctrinal Standards, the Government, and the Liturgy.
The Doctrinal Standards are the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort, and the Belhar Confession. The Liturgy is published as Worship the Lord and is observed at the discretion of the consistory, although the Government requires certain observances for the sacraments, ordinations, and installations. The Government, the Disciplinary Procedures, Formularies, and some non-constitutional items are published as the Book of Church Order.
The RCA's constitution gives power to its constitution and the classes, limiting the authority of synods. The RCA's General Synod has a policy against same-sex marriage, and this policy is observed by General Synod staff and its agencies. The RCA's constitution also allows for more flexibility and local discretion in its interpretation of the Standards, which is unlike the CRC, which has the power to make rulings that are "settled and binding".
The RCA's constitution also outlines the structure and functions of its Executive Council, which is the principal policymaking body of the organization. The Executive Council has the power to make arrangements for annual conventions, establish relationships with other organizations, appoint ad hoc committees, recommend divisions within the Association, approve expenses, and perform other duties as set forth in the Constitution. The Executive Council also has the authority to use the Association's name officially.
In summary, the RCA's constitution enables a kind of federalism and provides the RCA with greater local discretion, which is a key difference between the RCA and the CRC. The RCA's constitution outlines the powers and limitations of its governing bodies and provides a framework for its policies and procedures, allowing for more flexibility and local discretion in its interpretation of the Standards.
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RCA's General Synod
The Religious Communication Association (RCA) was established in 1974 and is an educational, nonsectarian agency. The RCA's constitution consists of the Doctrinal Standards, the Government, and the Liturgy. The RCA's General Synod is the body that makes amendments to the constitution.
The General Synod has a policy against same-sex marriage, for instance, in 2016, the General Synod adopted as constitutional the 2002 "Order for Christian Marriage" liturgy, which describes marriage as "a joyful covenanting between a man and a woman". The Synod also voted for a change to the Book of Church Order (BCO), mandating that consistories or governing bodies "shall assure that marriages in a church or congregation are between a man and a woman".
The General Synod also makes decisions on other social issues. For example, in 1973, the Synod stated that abortion "ought not to be practiced at all", but acknowledged that there could be exceptions. The Synod encouraged churches to support agencies that provide alternatives to abortion. In 1977, the General Synod requested that its committees "take such steps as are necessary to change their constitutions and enabling documents to allow representation of at least one person from each of the RCA's minority councils".
In 2004, the General Synod adopted a resolution to encourage RCA congregations and members to use fair trade and/or organic coffee. More recently, in 2022, the General Synod adopted a recommendation brought forth by the Commission for Women, which states that all resources and training materials on the RCA website and those recommended to be used by RCA leaders and congregations should be anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-ableist, egalitarian, and inclusive.
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RCA's Doctrinal Standards and Liturgy
The RCA, or the Reformed Church in America, has a constitution because it became independent from the Netherlands church after the American Revolution. The RCA Constitution, ratified in 1792, is based on the "Netherlandic Constitution", with adjustments made to suit American free-church circumstances. The constitution comprises three main parts: the Doctrinal Standards, the Government, and the Liturgy.
The Doctrinal Standards, which guide teaching, include the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort, and the Belhar Confession. The Liturgy, published as "Worship the Lord", is observed at the discretion of the consistory, although the Government requires certain observances for sacraments, ordinations, and installations.
The RCA's constitution allows for a kind of federalism and provides room for local discretion. It limits the authority of synods, and no synod has the power to force an interpretation of the Standards on classes or churches. The RCA's constitutional thinking differs from that of the CRC, which does not have a constitution.
The RCA's Executive Council is the principal policymaking body of the organization. The council has the power to make arrangements for annual conventions and business meetings, establish relationships with other organizations, appoint ad hoc committees, recommend divisions within the association, approve expenses, and perform other duties as outlined in the constitution. The Executive Council also has the authority to use the RCA's official name.
The RCA's constitution can be amended by a majority vote of members present at a business meeting, provided written notice is given 30 days in advance. The organization may be dissolved by a two-thirds vote of the membership present at a business meeting, with prior written notice sent to all members.
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Frequently asked questions
The RCA Constitution is the foundational document of the Religious Communication Association, established in 1974. The RCA is an educational, nonsectarian agency for the study of religious communication by teachers, practitioners, and scholars.
The RCA Constitution outlines the purpose of the organisation, its structure, and the roles of its officers. It also provides guidelines for official business and formal meetings.
The General Synod is the primary policymaking body of the RCA. While the RCA Constitution is the ultimate authority, the General Synod can propose amendments, which require confirmation by a two-thirds majority of the classes and approval by the next General Synod.
The Doctrinal Standards are the theological foundations of the RCA and include the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort, and the Belhar Confession.
Yes, the RCA Constitution can be amended. Bylaws not inconsistent with the Constitution may be adopted by a majority vote of members present at a business meeting, provided written notice is given 30 days in advance. The RCA Constitution can also be dissolved by a two-thirds vote of the membership.
