Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest
February 1, 2008
Pursuant to notice (and in accordance with Directory of Church Order 18:12), Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest held a called meeting on Friday, February 1, 2008, at the home of Pastor and Mrs. Frank J. Smith, W2941 County Highway A South, Oostburg, Wisconsin. The purposes of the meeting were as follows:
1. to accept the resignation of the Moderator and to elect a new Moderator;
2. to handle details regarding the Minutes;
3. to handle correspondence from Geoff Donnan to different members of the Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest;
4. to respond to correspondence from the American Presbyterian Church and consider establishing fraternal relations with the APC;
5. to consider the request of Martin Waltho to demit the ministry;
6. to hear a report on missions;
7. to act on the Provisional Covenant of Union with the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly;
and to take any action that may arise from these items.
At the direction of the Moderator, the Stated Clerk called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM and opened with prayer. He also read Philippians 2:1-11. A quorum was present, with the following in attendance:
Ruling Elder Ron DeTroye, Sheboygan
Pastor Frank J. Smith, Sheboygan
Pastor Justin B. Stodghill, New London
Ruling Elder Al Wilson, Sheboygan
Pastor Martin Waltho, who was out of the country on business, was excused from attending. Absent without excuse was Pastor H. Eugene (Gene) Osborne, New London.
Attending the meeting as visitors were Mr. Steve Sawall of the New London congregation, and Mrs. Penelope A. Smith, Licentiate Alastair Matthews, Deacon Jim Ten Dolle and Deacon Nick DeTroye from the Sheboygan congregation.
The Stated Clerk noted that the name of the Sheboygan congregation had been changed on January 20, 2008, to Reformation Presbyterian Church.
Pastor Justin B. Stodghill was nominated as Moderator pro tem. It was moved, seconded, and carried that he be elected.
It was moved, seconded, and carried to proceed with the docket as presented in the call to the meeting.
Resignation of the Moderator and Election of a New Moderator
Correspondence from Martin Waltho, in which he resigned as Moderator and requested to demit the ministry, was read (see pp. 8-9). It was moved, seconded, and carried to accept his resignation as Moderator with regret.
Elder DeTroye was nominated as Moderator. It was moved and seconded that he be elected as Moderator to fill the remainder of the term. At 7:30 PM, the chair declared a brief recess. The court was reconvened at 7:43 PM. It was moved, seconded, and carried that the motion be laid on the table.
Handling Details Regarding the Minutes
The Stated Clerk called the court’s attention to the fact that there was a factual error in the minutes of the September 2007 meeting which had already been approved; and there was additional information regarding the meeting that had not been included in the previous minutes. By common consent, the minutes were corrected as noted in the Clerk’s note, by adding that Clerk’s note to the minutes (see p. 18 of the September 14-15, 2007, meeting); and a notation will be made of the correction. The Stated Clerk also stated that he would be depositing in the PCA Archives in St. Louis, Missouri, a copy of the minutes of this meeting and of the initial meeting of this Presbytery.
Responding to Correspondence to Members of the Presbytery from Geoff Donnan
It was moved, seconded, and carried to adopt a letter to Mr. Donnan (see p. 5).
Correspondence from and Relations with the American Presbyterian Church
An email from a representative of the American Presbyterian Church was received (see p. 6). It was moved, seconded, and carried to establish fraternal relations with the American Presbyterian Church, and to adopt a letter to be sent (see p. 7).
Request from Martin Waltho to Demit the Ministry
It was moved, seconded, and carried to approve Mr. Waltho’s request to demit the ministry; to instruct the Moderator of the New London Session to grant letters of standing to Mr. and Mrs. Waltho per request; and to adopt a letter to Mr. Waltho (see p. 10).
Report on Missions
Pastor Stodghill reported on the situation in India, and also on his continuing teaching ministry with Pastor Sunam Beero and students under him (see pp. 11-15 for the report). It was moved, seconded, and carried, pending the adoption of the standards of the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly, to endorse this ministry, and to work to establish a sister presbytery in India which will be under our tutelage.
Pastor Smith reported on the continuing efforts of Mr. John Hogue to establish a congregation in St. Joseph, Louisiana. It was moved, seconded, and carried, pending the adoption of the standards of the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly, and if the way be clear, to establish a mission work in or around St. Joseph, Louisiana, with said mission work being immediately thereupon transferred to the care of the new RPCGA presbytery being established in the Central United States.
Affiliation with the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly
The three members of the Presbytery (Elder DeTroye, Pastor Smith, Pastor Stodghill) who had attended a meeting on January 22, 2008, with representatives of the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly (RPCGA) in Powder Springs, Georgia, reported on that meeting.
The Stated Clerk noted several things with regard to the Provisional Covenant of Union (PCU), which understandings are hereby placed upon the record.
A motion to adopt the Provisional Covenant of Union with the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly (see pp. 16-19) will require a two-thirds vote, since it would effect a merger in which this Presbytery will be absorbed by another body.
The merger will automatically eliminate the present Constitution and Bylaws; and there will be a need for the congregations to adopt local documents that comport with the RPCGA Standards.
The committees that are presently in place would continue, should the motion be adopted.
The provision in the PCU regarding the examination of deacons (B:7) is to be understood to apply to those who are not yet ordained.
The “approving” of the RPCGA government, discipline and worship does not imply agreement with every particular.
It was moved, seconded, and carried to place the following statement on the record: “We understand, based upon conversation with the Office of Civil and Ecclesiastical Council, that in the RPCGA the imposition of censure requires judicial process or confession of guilt. We are thankful for the opportunity to participate in a denomination in which this principle is adhered to.”
It was moved, seconded, and carried to note that if the Provisional Covenant of Union is adopted, this Presbytery will determine by December 31, 2009, by simple majority vote whether to associate permanently.
It was moved and seconded to adopt the Provisional Covenant of Union (said adoption to become effective upon adjournment), along with a letter expressing appreciation for the generous offer and clarifying certain details (see p. 20). The motion carried unanimously.
At 8:52 PM, the Moderator declared a five-minute recess. He reconvened the meeting at 8:57 PM.
Reading of the Minutes
The minutes were read and approved.
Administering of Vows
At 9:07 PM, the Moderator called Dr. Ken Talbot so that he could administer the RPCGA vows to the members of the Presbytery present, with the answers being given in this order: Pastor Stodghill, Elder Wilson, Elder DeTroye, and Pastor Smith. Dr. Talbot welcomed the brethren to the RPCGA, and noted that the congregations will have to take the membership vows.
The Stated Clerk will administer the vows to the three deacons of the Sheboygan congregation at the regular worship service this coming Lord’s Day.
Four copies of the Provisional Covenant of Union were signed by the Moderator and the Stated Clerk, which will be counter-signed by RPCGA representatives.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was closed with prayer by Elder DeTroye and adjourned at 9:36 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank J. Smith, Stated Clerk
Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest
Post Office Box 700257
Oostburg, Wisconsin 53070
February 1, 2008
The Rev. Geoffrey Donnan
13950 122nd Street
Fellsmere, Florida 32948-6411
Dear Mr. Donnan:
I am writing on behalf of Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest. Enclosed you will find various pieces of correspondence which you have recently sent to members of our Presbytery, which correspondence we are hereby returning to you.
As should have been evident from the action of the Sheboygan and New London congregations in withdrawing from the Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church (CRPC), we no longer recognize your authority over us. At this point, we don’t desire to get into a lot of back-and-forth conversation with you: we would simply appreciate if you would be kind enough to leave us alone.
Our position does not imply that we are unwilling at some point down the road to attempt reconciliation and the healing of relationships. However, it is abundantly clear that the continued pursuit of a defamation campaign by yourself and other members of the CRPC against those who have left the CRPC, will not lead to any such reconciliation. If you are really interested in reconciling, we would respectfully suggest that you give some time to allow matters to cool down, and then send a polite letter, suggesting two or three mutually acceptable mediators who can help us sort out this sad affair.
In our estimation, if you continue to proceed as you have stated you intend to do, you will do no one—including yourselves—any good. This is not the way of love or peace. It is also not the way of wisdom, when a remnant that constitutes less than half of a tiny denomination attempts to exercise discipline against the majority that has tried, peacefully, simply to go a separate direction for the sake of peace (Acts 15:37-40). Your proposed course of action will not be edifying to the Body of Christ and will not promote the peace of the Church or the glory of God.
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Ron DeTroye
[email of January 5, 2008]
Dear Dr. Smith Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
My name is Harold Forney. I am a ruling elder of the Westminster-Finksburg (MD) American Presbyterian Church (APC).
I am also on the Interchurch Committee of the APC presbytery along with Reverend Alan Wagner.
On December 22, 2007 Presbytery met. Among the discussions was the Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest’s interest in opening fraternal/federal union relations with the APC.
It was MSA that the American Presbyterian Church would be interested in talking with the Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest about either fraternal relations or a federal union.
If not aware , for your information, we do presently have a federal union with the American Reformation Presbyterian Church (Dr. Richard Bacon’s denomination) in the Rowlett, Texas area. (Among the discussions was the new formation of the Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest. Our presbytery expressed interest in possibly joining in fraternal relations with your presbytery. Another possibility would be in our presbytery and Dr. Richard Bacon’s Presbytery (the American Reformation Presbyterian Church) joining your new presbytery in a federal union. This, of course, would have to be approved by not only our denomination and yours but also the American Reformation Presbyterian Church’s denomination. This is necessary because we are currently in such a union with that denomination and your denomination would be joining both denominations in the union. If you share such an interest in forming either of these possible relations with our presbytery, we would love to talk to you further about the details. We look forward to the fellowship in Christ.
In Christ,
Harold Forney
Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest
W2941 County Highway A South
Oostburg, Wisconsin 53070
franksmith76@ gmail.com
(920)564-6501
February 1, 2008
Mr. Harold Forney
[sent via email to magnolia_2@embarqmail.com]
Dear Sir:
Greetings in the name of Christ!
At a called meeting this evening of Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest, we voted to adopt this letter, in response to your gracious correspondence of January 5, 2008, expressing interest either in fraternal relations and/or federal union.
First of all, our Presbytery this evening will be voting to approve a Provisional Covenant of Union with the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly (RPCGA), which will take effect upon adjournment. In light of our joining this other denomination, it would obviously not be appropriate at this time for us to enter into a federal union with some other body.
Secondly, however, we have voted to establish fraternal relations between our two presbyteries. We realize that merely establishing fraternal ties does not automatically work out all of the details. However, at a bare minimum, we would like to ensure not only the possibility of exchanging fraternal delegates (as opportunity presents itself), but also the regular exchange of minutes.
Thirdly, we will be suggesting that the RPCGA consider establishing fraternal relations at the General Assembly level with you. We are making this suggestion, in the hopes that some of the fracturing in the Body of Christ may someday, through our feeble efforts, be healed.
Thank you again for your correspondence. We look forward to walking together with you in the bonds of peace and love.
Fraternally yours,
Frank J. Smith, Ph.D., D.D.
Stated Clerk
Martin Waltho TE
930 Pond View Court
Appleton, Wisconsin 54913
January 18, 2008
Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest
c/o The Rev. Dr. Frank J. Smith, Stated Clerk
W2941 County Highway A South
Oostburg, Wisconsin 53070
To Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest:
After careful consideration and much prayer, I have decided to demit the ministry. My reasons are as follows.
1. My wife and I desire to be in a larger church body than what is presently the case at New London Presbyterian Church.
2. I do not agree with the theology of worship at the New London Presbyterian Church, particularly with respect to the exclusive use of accepella Psalms.
3. I am disheartened by all of the infighting in Presbyterianism, and have come to the conclusion that the Scottish Presbyterian system, far from being a useful tool for handling grievances is instead a useful tool for “wiley” mischief, which is breaking the peace of the Church.
Regarding point 2, I would note that I did try (albeit informally) to have the practice of the New London mission work changed to a format similar to that practiced at the Sheboygan congregation. Since that change was not approved, I determined that, Biblically speaking, I had just grounds (among others) to leave the congregation, since I believe that God allows us to sing uninspired hymns in worship as well as the use of musical instrumentation.
The use of Psalms was originally supposed to unite the Church and not divide her. Today it is naive to think that strident views on Psalmody are not breaking the peace of the catholic universal Church. I disagree with the direction the New London Church has taken regarding worship. As I reflect back, I am particularly disturbed that my request to use the same worship format as the Sheboygan Church (mixed psalms and hymns with piano accompaniment) was denied and most recently there was the denial of my request to use piano accompaniment in the singing of the psalms.
It must be understood that I am a believer in the use of psalms for worship but, not to the exclusion of other allowable forms. I agree that the Psalms were God’s first book of worship and there is a substantial bit of church tradition to show the exclusive use of psalms for worship. However, an in depth fresh look at the scriptural evidence reveals that exclusive accapella psalms (EP) is scripturally inconclusive and does not meet the threshold required to mandate compliance for the entire Church. The larger question would be, is this practice (EP) absolutely necessary for the Church and serious enough to separate over’? I put forth the following, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to ‘regulate” and temper the strong views held by the EP party. One example is Hezekiah’s (who was not a psalmist or prophet), public praise after having his life extended 15 years in Isaiah 38:20 “therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the Lord” (emphasis mine). Psalm 150:4 says, “Praise him with timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs”. Now with this scriptural OT precedence, the use of personal songs of praise (Hezekiah’s) should be allowed as this practice is not condemned or reversed in the NT. Actually with this OT precedence the opposite could be logically inferred from the following NT passages without the charges of sin and heresy. For instance, Paul insisted that the Colossian Church should praise God in a spirit of charity and peace while worshipping. In Colossians 3:14-16 the Church is admonished to “put on charity which is the bond of “perfect ness” and to “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which you were called in one body” and to “admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”.
Now that the Gospel has gone to the gentiles, there is in the NT an imperative to unity, charity, love and forgiveness (I Cor. 13, Eph. 5:2, Col. 3:11-13 and many more). Only those things that are found in the scriptures to be clearly wrong should divide the Church, tradition should be given no consideration in this important debate. Acts 15:22-28 is a great example of the proper use of Church power, the Regulative Principle as applied to government i.e. to restrain the Jews from infringing on the liberty of the new gentile saints over the issue of circumcision. This is an often overlooked application of the Regulative Principle. Likewise there is a need for the Church to use its power to regulate the EP zealots of today from damaging this fragile unity between brethren. I think a scriptural application of Acts 15 and the support of other scriptures in the NT strongly militate against making Psalmody a cardinal issue. At least it should break any consensus that holding a different view is sinful or heretical.
The issue brings division even between those who are sympathetic to the use of psalms in worship. The result is division, schism and disruption. In Acts 15 circumcision was not made binding on Gentile believers (see vs. 28). Circumcision had great OT scriptural weight and tradition; however, church unity between Jew and gentile was of greater importance. Therefore the practice was not made necessary for the CHURCH. I believe that Paul is addressing the problem of putting tradition before “what is necessary”. If we do not take heed to the principle of Acts 15 and insist on a strident EP practices, accusations of sin and idolatry will continue causing divisions in the Church.
Regarding point 3, we know that some denominational divisions and schisms are unavoidable this side of heaven but we have been so engulfed with them during the last 14 years that it has taken a toll on us spiritually. And the most of these could have been avoided with a little more charity and less reformed testosterone. All partisans think they are right in there own mind, but they lack the commanded Christian empathy (see LC: 131-136,144,145) to consider their brothers scriptural opinions. The problems come when man made documents such as books of church order (good when not over emphasized) blot out and eliminate the scriptural principles (like Hymns have done in modern worship) and the logical inferences found in Mt 18.
I have just finished reading the Life of Principal Rainy of the Free Church of Scotland and was saddened as was he by the damage done to the Church by proud men on both sides. “Knowledge puffeth up but charity edifieth” (1 Cor.8:1b). These men thought their knowledge and procedures trumped Church unity and the 11th commandment (Jn.13:34). They lacked the concern shown by Paul or of the Jerusalem church elders for the frail unity between brethren (see Acts 15). Their attitudes broke the very creedalism they were sworn to keep. I’m now more convinced that I have found a correct position on church unity and I repent of how the application of some of my earlier beliefs or my silence might have damaged the church and my family.
In conjunction with this letter, I am also resigning as Moderator of the Presbytery; and I have asked the Stated Clerk to act on my behalf to call a subsequent meeting so that my resignation can be acted on and a new Moderator elected. I am also hereby requesting that a letter of standing be granted to me and Phyllis from the New London congregation, so that we can transfer our membership in the near future.
I appreciate all of the care and support the church has given to me and my family through these difficult times. The contrast between you men and Brian Schwertley is like night and day. Phyllis and I treasure your friendships and enjoy your fellowship. Please understand that my views as stated above are given in the spirit of “iron sharpeneth iron”.
I wish you well in your efforts to bring the Gospel to New London; however, I am sad to say I can no longer be part of that effort.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
In Christ,
/s/Martin Waltho
Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest
W2941 County Highway A South
Oostburg, Wisconsin 53070
franksmith76@ gmail.com
(920)564-6501
February 1, 2008
Mr. Martin Waltho
930 Pond View Court
Appleton, Wisconsin 54913
Dear Marty:
We are in receipt of your letter of January 18, 2008, in which you resigned as Moderator of this Presbytery, and also requested to demit the ministry.
First of all, we have, with regret, accepted your resignation as Moderator.
Secondly, we have also acceded to your request to demit the ministry.
Thirdly, in accordance with your further request in the letter, we have instructed the Moderator of the New London Session to grant you and Phyllis a letter of standing, so as to enable you to transfer your membership in the near future to another Reformed congregation. Of course, until that transfer is complete, you and your wife will remain under the jurisdiction of the New London Session.
We feel duty-bound to mention that we do not agree with numerous of your statements in your letter to us; as a matter of fact, several of them we find to be particularly hurtful. We would also note that at least one of them is not accurate, viz., the idea that your request to the New London Session regarding musical instrumentation was rejected: it is our understanding that in point of fact, despite being invited to make a presentation to Pastors Stodghill and Osborne on that matter, you did not accept the invitation.
Marty, we realize that you and your wife have sacrificed greatly for the cause of Christ over the last several years. Nevertheless, we do want you to know that we do not believe your requests to be in the best interests of yourself or your family, nor the best interests of the kingdom of Christ. We also want you to know that we would welcome you back in the future, should the Lord lead you in that direction.
Cordially in Christ,
Frank J. Smith, Ph.D., D.D.
Stated Clerk
New London Presbyterian Church
P. O. Box 447
New London, WI 54961
1-888-564-6501
www.newlondonpres.org
1 February 2008
To the Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest
c/o Rev. Dr. Frank J. Smith, Stated Clerk
Dear Fathers and Brethren in the Lord:
I have had the great joy and privilege of teaching the Westminster Standards to several ministers and theological students in India since September 2007. During this period of time, I have taught seven lessons covering the historical and doctrinal introductions to the Standards and chapters one and two of the Confession (harmonized with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms). I have prepared all of the course work and transmitted it electronically to our Indian brethren, thereby saving the expense of printing and mailing the documentation. Thanks to a computer program donated by Rev. Gene Osborne, we will now also be able to record the lectures and make them available on DVD format.
Classes are generally conducted on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. IST (Wednesday at about 9:30 p.m. CST). We utilize Skype, a free video-conferencing system, that allows the students in India to meet with us “face-to-face” in real time. The average attendance during the twelve sessions has been nine.
I would humbly ask that you keep our Indian brethren in your prayers. Attached to this report is a letter I recently received from Pastor Sunam Beero. As you can see, they are daily facing persecutions for the Name of Christ. Furthermore, I would ask your continued prayers for me as I continue to teach the ministers and students associated with Pastor Sunam. Finally, please pray that the Lord will speed the day when the six congregations in India can form into a sister Presbytery with us.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right Hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2
Dear Friends:
Greetings in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ from the persecution state of Orissa, India!
Keeping eye on the ongoing evil situation in the district of Kandhamal, Orissa where Christians are attacked on the large scale by the fanatics, we as one body of Christ on behalf of Orissa present this application for immediate relief in the most effected areas where Christians are targeted and everything they own has been turned into dust.
Therefore with prayers we request you to look into this matter as a priority and extend your helping hand towards the people who are struggling for survival and stand by the people of God in this hopeless situation.
Please go through the following report so that you will know how to pray.
THE PERSECUTION ON CHRISTIANS IN THE KANDHMAL DISTRICT, ORISSA
THE BACKGROUND OF THE INCIDENT
The Kui Samaj of Kandhamal district called for 36 hours district Bandh (strike) for 25th and 26th December 2007 bringing attention to the government to include the so-called SC Christian, General Christians, to ST category. The Christian leaders of Kandhamal district met the district collector and district superintendent of Police on 22nd December 2007 and asked for protection during the festive season. Both collector and SP assured protection on the lives and Churches of Christian people.
THE ATTACK WAS PRE – PLANNED
On 9.12.2007 Swami Lakhanananda Saraswati, know as the Swamiji had gone to Brahmunigaon and had secret meeting with the Banika Sangha (Business people’s Union) who are the active members of the RSS and VHP. The tension started in Brahmunigaon and other places. On 21.12.2007 the Arya Samaj of Bhubaneswar organized a three days yaga program. Many people were brought to this meeting from Kandhamal district itself. On 22.12.2007 the RSS meetings held in every panchayat from morning 11 am to 6 pm in some unknown places. It was pre-planned quite secretly and the work was executed by the group simultaneously across the district and sustained it for about five days despite the presence of the highest level police officers in the region. It is clear that the attackers were from upper caste, non tribals, and non – dalits, migrated from others districts and State.
WHO IS LAKHNANANDA SARASWATI ?
This man is from Angul district, which is about 450 Kms away from Kandhamal district. He came to this district in 1967. At present he is living at Jalaspata of Tumudibandh P.S of Kandhamal district. Originally he is a Vandari (barber) caste. Some time back he had murdered a man and ran away for his life and since then has settled here as a Hindu Guru. He is about 70 years old. He has two Ashrams, and has got himself politically influential with the present government for which the government has provided him two body guards (who are government security man). His slogan is “only Hindu will live in this land”…. Kill the Christian … destroy the churches … attack the Christians NGOs.” etc.,. He is known as the main instigator of this whole incident.
THE BEGINNING OF THE PERSECUTION
On 24.12.2007 at 10.45. am Swami Lakhanananda Saraswati was going to Brahmnigaon in his own jeep .One private bus was going ahead of him. Since there was a narrow road and due to the fault of the bus it stood on the road at Dasingbadi village. There was a small Church a little distance from the road where the youths there were busy in decorating the church for Christmas and music was going on. When Lakhanananda Saraswati heard the sound he asked his body guards and his driver to go there and stop the music. When the guards and driver went to the spot they had argument with the Christian youth leading to a violent confrontation. A guard was injured and another guard took his gun and fired at the young people. After that they came to Daringbadi community health center saying that Lakhanananda Saraswati was hurt and beaten. But it was not so, and it spread as a rumor in that small town for which two people went to meet Swamiji to sympathise and they felt sad about the incident and proposed to have a peace meeting but Swamiji said – “Kranti no-thile Shanti Nahi, Mote Kitchi Mado hai nahi”. This means ‘without revolution, no peace! I am not hurt in the presence of police officer and other local leaders’. There was a RSS boy named – Muna Sahu, who was having a video camera and who took a interview. The statement of Lakhanananda Saraswati was telecasted. This rumor got spread through the entire district. In the same night the Hindu people came to the road and headed towards Christians and Churches, saying, ‘kill the Christians, and destroy the Churches…’
When the attack took place from 24th to 26th December 2007, the Christians had left their houses, cattle, properties and other valuable things. They fled for their lives. Some of them went to neighboring districts and most of them fled to the jungles. Because the movement was well motivated, they were also well armed with weapons and attacked the Christians with iron rods and guns along with bombs. The people stayed in jungles for 4 to 5 days.
VIOLANCE AFFECTED IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER
1.48 Protestant churches torched/ destroyed
2.5 Roman Catholic Parish Churches destroyed
3.Snatched and looted (cash, rice. cattle’s etc.)
4.Two jeeps are burnt (World vision of India and a Pastor’s)
5.More than 9 motor cycles were burnt
6.More than 600 Christians’ houses destroyed. This is the biggest record of such a allege number of Christian houses are burnt.
7.Light and sound systems of the churches are destroyed
8.Bibles thrown into fire
9.Two schools and five Christian NGOs attacked
10.According to resources nine people have died and many are missing from every hamlet village
THE PRESENT SITUATION
1. The people there are living in three refugee camps. It is a history since independence that 3000 Christian men, women and children are living in a cold place with no proper sanitation.
2.Now there are at least two major things by which the Christians are being put into the trouble:
a.A false allegation that there is a forcible conversion going on at Kutikia village. 9 people were taken to the public ground, mocked, and their hairs shaved, given cow dung water to drink and were asked to put thilak (on their forehead).
b.Those now in the refugee camps and relatives’ homes are told by the Hindus that if they go to the villages, they must live as Hindus or leave the village and stay in other places.
The government is not taking care as it should! According to the Press report, the situation is said to be under control and that relief is being allowed. But actually, in interior villages the situations are still not good and tension prevails on those who want to provide help since the anti-conversion Act’s Sec.107 is enforced that anyone helping through cash or kind is alluring. As such, those who want to give are told to do through Red Cross Society.
NEEDS OF THE VICTIMS:
Through this merciless incident, more than 66 families have been oppressed in misery. Their tragedy is unbelievable. They are very much broken and speechless. Their tears are like a cloud, neither are they able to cry nor are they able to laugh. In such a condition their urgent needs are as follows:
A. Security from the Government – Till now they are afraid of people, they are shocked & traumatized. They like to return to their empty homes and start a new life from nothing. They need protection from the Government.
B. The moral support from the Christians – This is the most important thing. Even if they have every thing and don’t have the moral support, they can’t go forward. The moral support, empathy and encouragement from fellow Christians is most essential at this stage.
C. Physical support – I. Shelter: – The Government of Orissa has promised to provide ‘Indira Awas’ housing of one room and a toilet, worth Rs.22, 000/, which is very small. Secondly this project is not yet started. Even if it will come to being, they need assistance to extend their home.
II) Food: – A qualitative and quantitative food is needed
III). Clothes: – At present most of them are having one or two set of clothes.
IV) Utensils: – Since they have lost every thing, which was in their homes, to start a new life they need utensils.
OBSERVATIONS
1.The Christian are not enjoying the full liberty as citizen of India.
2.In Kandhamal, the Christian population has been growing rapidly, so VHP has been targeting this district since 1986.
3. The VHP is fully involved in this recent attack on Christians with the support of government, which is supported by BJP. By supporting the cause of the tribal people of Kandhamal the VHP achieved its plan to attack on Christians on 25th of December when the tribal leaders declared for the Bandh – suggested by VHP.
4.PA system is given to Immanuel Baptist Church, Solakiea village. But this Church was burnt.
5. Many New Believers who were affected are in need of Oriya Bibles because their Bible are Burnt
6.This situation may affect the collection of local contribution in Orissa because at present all churches and the people in this area are actually in need of help themselves.
7. In the near future some Radios are required to be given to poor tribal for Radio Ministries.
8. By the grace of God no pastors have died but many pastors have lost their houses or property.
PHOTO GALLERY
All these picture are self describing. People are staying in open sky and struggling for theire livilihood. Pleople needs home and food and drinking water.
From
Pastor Sunam
Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest
W2941 County Highway A South
Oostburg, Wisconsin 53070
franksmith76@ gmail.com
(920)564-6501
February 1, 2008
Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly
c/o The Rev. Dr. Ken Talbot
6539 Calusa Drive
Lakeland, Florida 33813
Dear Fathers and Brethren:
It is my distinct privilege to inform you that at a meeting of Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest this evening, the Presbytery voted to adopt the Provisional Covenant of Union which you had proposed and adopted. This motion was adopted by a two-thirds vote, and becomes effective upon the adjournment of our meeting.
There are certain details regarding this merger which we feel compelled to address at this time.
First of all, with regard to missions, we have taken under our wing a mission work in India, which entails the prospect of establishing a sister presbytery there which will be under our tutelage. Also, we have approved the establishing of a mission work, if the way be clear, in or around St. Joseph, Louisiana. Our intention is that as soon as this mission work is actually established, it will be immediately transferred to the care of the new RPCGA presbytery being established in the Central United States.
Secondly, we have voted to enter into fraternal relations with the American Presbyterian Church (APC). In doing so, we have also communicated to the APC brethren the desirability of the RPCGA pursuing fraternal ties with their Presbytery. We are therefore communicating this to you, in the hopes that formal fraternal relations at that level can become a reality. Besides exploring relations with the APC, we would respectfully suggest that the RPCGA make concerted efforts toward widening its contacts, and perhaps even consider the possibility of joining an organization such as the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC).
We are very grateful for the graciousness of your proposal, which allows us to become one with you. We look forward to what the Lord Jesus will do in our midst, not only over the next couple of years, but long into the future.
Cordially in Christ,
Frank J. Smith, Ph.D., D.D.
Stated Clerk
on behalf of the Presbytery
Attachments: the minutes of the February 1, 2008, meeting